Benin government, KAP Academy launch Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp

A new initiative aims to bolster the African film industry by training young filmmakers. The KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, a collaboration between KAP Film & Television Academy and the Republic of Benin's Société de Productions Audiovisuelles S.A. (SOPA), was launched in Cotonou.

The 12-week, fully sponsored program will select 20 participants from Benin. Training will be divided between Benin and Nigeria. It begins with four weeks of foundational learning in Benin, followed by a week of industry exposure in Lagos, Nigeria. The bootcamp culminates in a seven-week practical residency at KAP Film Village and Resort in Nigeria, where participants will work on live productions.

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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.

Under the theme "Owning the Narrative," the bootcamp encourages African storytellers to develop their technical skills and gain professional experience while telling authentic stories. Kunle Afolayan, founder of KAP Film & Television Academy, stated that the program is an investment in young African talent, emphasizing the need to create opportunities for them to "own the narrative, collaborate across borders and tell authentic stories that the world cannot ignore."

Abedje Sinatou, Managing Director of SOPA, highlighted the government's commitment to developing Benin's creative sector through this partnership. Academy Director Seun Soyinka encouraged participants to maximize the training and exposure, viewing the bootcamp as a step toward deeper collaboration within the African film industry.

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The initiative would help strengthen skills in film and audiovisual production and create opportunities for young people.