The Société de Productions Audiovisuelles du Bénin (SOPA) recently hosted the SOPA Pitch & Connect event, which aimed to bring together industry professionals and promote local film projects. The event, held on October 30, 2026, was organized in collaboration with Sèmè City and is part of SOPA's efforts to boost Benin's film industry. The initiative seeks to support the development of the country's audiovisual sector by facilitating networking and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
The event featured a range of activities, including the presentation of projects selected from SOPA's call for proposals, a tour of SOPA Studios, and pitches for production and co-production projects. Attendees also had the opportunity to view two short films, WALE and DJI, and meet their teams. The event provided a platform for industry professionals to share ideas, discover new talent, and connect with potential collaborators.
Sinatou Saka, Delegate Administrator of SOPA, emphasized the importance of telling Benin's stories and showcasing its cultural richness. She noted that if Benin's stories are not told, others will tell them instead, and stressed the role that films, series, and documentaries play in preserving the country's collective memory. Saka highlighted SOPA's ambition to support projects that promote Benin's cultural heritage and contribute to its development.
SOPA's Director, Hyacinthe Hounsou, explained that the organization's support extends beyond financing to include development, promotion, and valorization of audiovisual works. He emphasized that SOPA aims to be a partner to the private sector and a supporter of professionals, without replacing existing actors in the industry. SOPA's first call for proposals resulted in an envelope of over 300 million CFA francs being mobilized to support various projects.
Several projects were presented during the event, including La Mère et la Mer, Le Retour, La Villa Do Rego, and Bénin Mystères. Others, such as Le Remède, La Belle-Mère, and Carnet du Bénin, also showcased their potential. The event demonstrated the diversity and richness of Benin's audiovisual sector, with a range of genres and themes being represented.
As part of its partnership with the KAP Film & Television Academy of Nigeria, SOPA has implemented the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp program. The program, which ran for 12 weeks in Benin and Nigeria, trained 20 young professionals in various aspects of filmmaking. The initiative resulted in the production of two short films, DJÏ and WALÉ, which were presented during the SOPA Pitch & Connect event.
The SOPA Pitch & Connect event has demonstrated the potential of collaborative initiatives to boost Benin's film industry. With SOPA's support, local filmmakers can now access resources and expertise to develop their projects and showcase their talent to a wider audience. The event has set the stage for future initiatives aimed at promoting and supporting Benin's audiovisual sector.
Key points
- SOPA's Pitch & Connect event promotes collaboration and support for local film projects in Benin.
- The event features a range of activities, including project presentations, pitches, and networking opportunities.
- SOPA's initiative aims to boost Benin's film industry by supporting the development of local audiovisual projects.
