The KAP Film & Television Academy and the Republic of Benin’s Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA) have launched a 12-week Pan-African bootcamp to train 20 aspiring filmmakers in technical skills and practical filmmaking.

The programme, titled “Owning the Narrative,” stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in February. It aims to help young Beninese creatives gain industry experience while promoting authentic African storytelling.

The 12-week programme starts with four weeks of training in Benin. Participants will then spend one week at KAP’s Lagos hub for industry exposure. They will end the programme with a seven-week practical residency at the KAP Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State.

KAP founder Kunle Afolayan said the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to Africa’s creative future.

“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. This programme is an investment in the future of African storytelling,” he said.

Abedje Sinatou, managing director of SOPA, said the partnership supports the Beninese government’s goal of preparing young people for careers in film and audiovisual production.

“We are convinced that this strategic partnership with KAP Film & Television Academy will significantly advance the government’s objective of equipping our young people with the skills required to excel in cinema and the audiovisual arts. Through this collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a stronger creative industry capable of competing confidently on the international stage,” she said.

Seun Soyinka, academy director at KAP, described the participants as pioneers of a platform that will strengthen creative collaboration across Africa.

The agreement, signed earlier this year, sets out a framework to grow Benin’s creative industry. The “Owning the Narrative” bootcamp is the first programme under the partnership.