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 Services Include
Campaign Strategy
We work with you to clarify goals, define audiences, and shape messaging that resonates. From research-driven insights to tailored outreach plans, we help translate complex issues into compelling campaigns.
Project Development
Our team draws on deep storytelling expertise to craft scripts, storyboards, and creative assets that reflect local voices and cultural contexts. Every piece of content is grounded in research and designed for impact.
Production
From feature films and television dramas to radio series, podcasts, and short-form video, we produce high-quality, audience-centered media. Our productions blend cinematic craft with behavior change communication strategies.
Distribution
We don’t just make content. We ensure it’s seen, heard, and acted upon. Leveraging social media, community screenings, broadcast partnerships, digital platforms, and grassroots networks, we bring stories directly to the people who need them most.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research
Gathering insights from communities and data to identify needs and opportunities.
Evaluation
Gathering feedback and data to inform the next cycle of research and development.
Distribution
Delivering stories through trusted community networks and media channels.
Finishing
Polishing content and preparing it in accessible formats and languages.
Partnerships
Forming collaborations with stakeholders to ensure shared ownership.
Story Development
Co-creating stories that reflect community realities and aspirations.
Production
Working with local talent and crews to authentically represent lived experience.
Pretesting
Testing materials with audiences to ensure messages are appropriate and engaging.
Our Process
Our Process In Action
Developing The Belonging Project
See how we are engaging partners in the development of a script for a feature-length film that addresses homelessness and housing justice.
See how we developed the foundations and story of the feature film, Bahasha, which aimed to change the narrative around anti-corruption in Tanzania.
Developing The Integrity Project
Building a Multimedia Platform
See how the Wahapahapa Radio Serial Drama became a powerful multimedia platform talk about issues around HIV and AIDS in Tanzania.
See how MFDI has harnessed the strengths of the private sector by working hand in hand with commercial film distributors to reach broader audiences in Tanzania.
Harnessing Commerical Distribution
Featured Work
Our Partners Include:
