Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has partnered with the Government of the Republic of Benin to launch a new Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp aimed at developing the next generation of African storytellers.
The initiative, known as the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, is a collaboration between KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA (Société de Productions Audiovisuelles S.A.), an agency of the Benin Republic government.
It was officially unveiled in Cotonou, with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative industry through skills development, youth empowerment and authentic storytelling.
The programme will offer 20 young creatives from the Republic of Benin a fully funded 12-week intensive training designed to equip them with practical filmmaking skills and prepare them for careers in the film and audiovisual industry.
The bootcamp marks the first major project under the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA.
The partnership is focused on building local talent and expanding opportunities within Benin’s growing creative sector.
ALSO READ: I Can Kiss Other Actors But No Iranu—Toyin Abraham Sets Firm Boundary on Set
Participants will gain hands-on experience across three locations.
The training begins with four weeks of classroom instruction in the Republic of Benin before the participants travel to Lagos, Nigeria, for a week of industry exposure at the KAP Film & Television Academy.
They will then spend seven weeks at the KAP Film Village and Resort, where they will work alongside experienced filmmakers on live productions, giving them first-hand insight into the realities of professional filmmaking.
The initiative also reflects Benin Republic’s broader ambition to position its creative and cultural industries as key contributors to job creation, economic growth and the country’s cultural influence across the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Kunle Afolayan described the programme as a strategic investment in Africa’s creative future, expressing confidence that it would help nurture talented filmmakers capable of telling compelling African stories that can resonate with audiences around the world.
He said, “Africa is rich in talent and stories. Our responsibility is to create opportunities for young creatives to own the narrative, collaborate across borders and tell authentic stories that the world cannot ignore.”
“This programme is an investment in the future of African storytelling.You are pioneers in what promises to become a defining platform for creative collaboration across Africa.”
“Immerse yourselves in every experience, learn from some of the finest professionals on the continent and embrace the responsibility of becoming storytellers whose work will shape how Africa is seen by the world,”He added.
