Kunle Afolayan, Benin Govt Launch Pan-African Film Bootcamp For Young Filmmakers

According to Ireporter Online, a new chapter in African film development has been opened as Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy, in collaboration with SOPA (Société de Productions Audiovisuelles S.A.), an agency of the Government of the Republic of Benin, officially launched the KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou.

The initiative is designed to train and empower a new generation of African filmmakers with the skills, exposure and technical expertise needed to compete on the global stage. The fully funded 12-week programme will select 20 young creatives from Benin and provide them with intensive, hands-on training across all aspects of film and audiovisual production.

Participants will undergo a structured cross-border learning experience beginning with foundational training in Benin, followed by industry exposure in Lagos, Nigeria, and concluding with a practical residency at the KAP Film Village and Resort, where they will work directly on real film productions alongside industry professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Kunle Afolayan described the programme as a long-term investment in Africa’s creative future, emphasizing the need for authentic African storytelling and cross-border collaboration. SOPA’s Managing Director, Abedje Sinatou, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a competitive creative industry, while Academy Director Seun Soyinka encouraged participants to fully embrace the opportunity as pioneers of a new creative ecosystem.

The bootcamp, anchored on the theme “Owning the Narrative,” is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s creative economy through youth empowerment, cultural exchange and professional film training.