Two short films produced by young Beninese filmmakers who graduated from the KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp have been selected for screening in the Students’ Film category at the next edition of the Africa International Film Festival. The films were produced by 20 graduates who completed a 12-week training programme in filmmaking theory, practical production, and other aspects of film-making. The programme was organised through a partnership between KAP Film and Television Academy and the Government of the Republic of Benin.
The announcement was made by Chioma Ude, founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF, during the graduation ceremony and premiere of three student films at the KAP Film Village and Resort. Ude expressed confidence in the quality and potential of the students’ work and assured them that two of their films would be featured at the festival. This provides the emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to present their work to a wider audience of filmmakers, programmers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals.
The 12-week Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp provided training in filmmaking theory, practical production, and other aspects of film-making, culminating in the production and premiere of three original short films. The programme was organised through a partnership between KAP Film and Television Academy and the Government of the Republic of Benin, through its audiovisual agency, SOPA. This partnership aims to support the development of young filmmakers in Benin and provide them with the skills and platform to showcase their work.
AFRIFF, founded by Ude, provides a platform for African and Diaspora cinema through film screenings, industry programmes, and professional development initiatives. Its programme includes student films as well as features, shorts, documentaries, and animation. The screening opportunity will allow the selected graduates to experience the festival environment and connect with filmmakers and other industry professionals from across Africa and the Diaspora.
The three student films were premiered before an audience that included notable figures in African and international cinema, including Keith Shiri, Jean-Pierre Bekolo, Femi Odugbemi, Tunde Kelani, Tade Ogidan, Virginie Besson-Silla, and Sola Sobowale. The event also featured the unveiling of ITAN, The Screen Gathering and Awards, a new platform unveiled by filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi, and being championed by KAP founder, Kunle Afolayan.
The development is expected to give the young filmmakers an opportunity to take their work beyond the training programme and into a wider film ecosystem. This will enable them to gain more experience, exposure, and potentially attract more opportunities in the film industry. The graduates have expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work at AFRIFF.
The KAP Academy graduates will join other filmmakers and industry professionals at AFRIFF, which is a major platform for African and Diaspora cinema. The festival provides a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers to network, learn, and showcase their work to a wider audience. The screening of the two short films will take place during the festival, which is expected to attract a large audience of film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Key points
- Two short films by KAP Academy graduates to be screened at AFRIFF
- The films were produced by 20 graduates of the KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp
- The screening opportunity will allow the graduates to experience the festival environment and connect with industry professionals
