MFDI
Partnering through storytelling to change lives. One community, one story at a time.
We believe that stories have the power to transform lives, communities, and the environment we depend on. We exist to create compelling, culturally resonant media that opens dialogue, breaks stigma, and inspires people to make healthier, more hopeful, and more sustainable choices for themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Over 30 Years
of using film and radio to spark social change
Tens of millions reached
through films, TV, radio, and podcast.
Over 400 episodes
of radio and TV drama produced.
We Don’t Just Make Media... We Move People.
We create compelling, community-rooted media that drives measurable change. For the past 30 years, we have been partnering with communities and organizations to produce multimedia campaigns that spark dialogue, shift norms, and improve lives.
Our Impact is Our Legacy
From films that have reached millions and influenced national laws, to radio dramas that brought taboo subjects into everyday conversation, our work has always been about more than entertainment — it has been about creating lasting change. Each project we produce leaves a footprint in communities, policies, and culture, proving that when people see their own struggles and hopes reflected on screen, transformation begins.
The highlights below are drawn from a broad range of independent research reports documenting the measurable impact of our work (see full research here).
In Tanzania, viewers of Siri ya Mtungi were more likely to use condoms and less likely to accept multiple sexual partners
Over 400,000 Facebook followers engaged with Siri ya Mtungi on social media, making it one of the most-followed platforms in Tanzania.
The link between Neria and the inheritance reforms that followed was so strong that the new protections became popularly known as the ‘Neria laws.
Nearly half of viewers came away from watching Neria feeling the need to write a will, indicating a direct influence on behavior to protect women’s property rights.
Research found listeners of Wahapahapa were far more likely to talk openly about HIV, support disclosure, and even prioritize HIV treatment as a top community concern and voting issue
Wahapahapa’s hit song “Zoba” became a youth anthem in Tanzania, making HIV prevention messages part of pop culture
Bahasha, Tanzania's first film on Netflix was used by the national anti-corruption bureau for community outreach across the nation, and screened for Tanzania’s Parliament.
Fatuma was a part of an MFDI campaign reaching 4.6 million youth and 686,000 women across Tanzania, with measurable shifts in attitudes toward gender equality in agriculture.
Won 4 major awards at ZIFF 2018 — Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography.
Yellow Card reached over 5 million viewers at its premiere in Zimbabwe, and was later shown in 15+ countries, in 8 languages, reaching tens of millions of additional poeple.
The film has since become widely recognized as one of Africa’s most beloved entertainment-education films
Our Process
Research
Gathering insights from communities, data, and lived experience to identify needs and opportunities.
Evaluation
Gathering feedback, outcomes, and lessons learned to inform the next cycle of research and development.
Distribution
Delivering stories through trusted community networks, media channels, and digital platforms.
Finishing
Polishing content and preparing it in formats and languages accessible to all audiences.
Partnerships
Forming collaborations with local leaders, institutions, and organizations to ensure shared ownership and sustainability.
Story Development
Co-creating stories that reflect community realities and aspirations, while embedding key messages.
Production
Working with local talent and crews to authentically represent culture, language, and lived experience.
Pretesting
Testing materials with real audiences to ensure messages are appropriate, relevant, and engaging.
Featured Work
Our Partners Include:
