KAP Film & Television Academy and the Government of Benin, through the Société de Productions Audiovisuelles S.A. (SOPA), have started a filmmaking bootcamp for young filmmakers.
The program, called the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, was announced on Monday during a press conference in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The organizers say the bootcamp will give practical training to young creatives and help them build careers in the film and audiovisual industry.
This free 12-week program will train 20 chosen participants from the Republic of Benin.
Partnership and background
This initiative follows an agreement signed earlier this year between KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA. This agreement aims to boost skills development in the creative sector.
The organizers say this partnership aims to create more opportunities for young creatives in Benin and enhance the country’s audiovisual industry.
Training structure
Participants will receive training at three locations in Benin and Nigeria.
The program will start with four weeks of basic training in Benin Republic, then move to one week of industry exposure in Lagos, Nigeria.
It will wrap up with a seven-week practical residency at the KAP Film Village and Resort in Nigeria. Here, participants will work with filmmakers and industry experts on real productions.
The organizers say this structure combines classroom learning with real-world experience.
The bootcamp is themed “Owning the Narrative.”
The theme shows a common goal of encouraging African storytellers to share their own stories while building skills and getting professional exposure.
Statements from organizers
At the launch, Kunle Afolayan, founder of KAP Film & Television Academy, said the program is an investment in young African creatives.
“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,” he said.
He added that the academy’s training model mixes structured learning with practical experience under the guidance of industry experts.
Abedje Sinatou, Managing Director of SOPA, said the partnership shows the government’s commitment to boosting Benin’s creative industry.
She mentioned that the initiative will help improve skills in film and audiovisual production and create chances for young people.
Broader objectives
Seun Soyinka, Academy Director, said the program is a step towards better collaboration in the African film industry.
He urged participants to make the most of the training and exposure from the bootcamp.
The organizers say this initiative is part of broader efforts to make the creative sector a key driver of youth employment and economic growth in Benin Republic.
They also believe it will enhance cultural exchange and improve the quality of African storytelling for audiences around the world.
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