The KAP Film & Television Academy has partnered with the Republic of Benin’s Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA) to launch a groundbreaking Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp designed to nurture the next generation of African storytellers.
The initiative, titled “Owning the Narrative,” will provide intensive training for 20 emerging filmmakers from Benin, equipping them with technical expertise, hands-on production experience, and international industry exposure.
The programme is the first major project under a memorandum of understanding signed by both organisations in February 2026. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative economy by investing in young talent and promoting authentic African stories.
The 12-week bootcamp will begin with four weeks of foundational training in Benin before participants travel to Lagos, Nigeria, for a one-week industry immersion at the KAP Film & Television Academy. They will then complete a seven-week practical residency at the KAP Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State, where they will gain real-world filmmaking experience under industry professionals.
Speaking on the initiative, KAP founder and acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan described the programme as a long-term investment in the future of African cinema. “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,” Afolayan said.
SOPA Managing Director Abedje Sinatou said the collaboration aligns with the Beninese government’s vision of developing a globally competitive creative workforce.
“We are convinced that this strategic partnership with KAP Film & Television Academy will significantly advance the government’s objective of equipping our young people with the skills required to excel in cinema and the audiovisual arts. Through this collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a stronger creative industry capable of competing confidently on the international stage,” she said.
KAP Film & Television Academy Director Seun Soyinka described the selected participants as pioneers of what he believes will become a defining platform for cross-border creative collaboration in Africa.
The partnership establishes a strategic framework for developing Benin’s film and audiovisual sector, with the “Owning the Narrative“ bootcamp serving as its flagship programme. Beyond skills development, the initiative underscores a growing movement toward greater collaboration between African nations to cultivate world-class filmmakers and amplify the continent’s stories on the global stage.
The post KAP Film & TV Academy and Benin Republic SOPA Partner to Train 20 Aspiring Filmmakers in 12-Week Pan-African Bootcamp appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
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