Award winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has signed a landmark partnership with the government of the Benin to develop a film city and co produce a major Orisha and Vodun themed television series for a global audience.

The agreement marks a significant step in cross border creative collaboration between Nigeria and Benin, two countries deeply connected through history, culture and traditional spirituality. The deal is expected to strengthen West Africa’s presence in the global film industry while promoting indigenous storytelling rooted in African heritage.

Under the partnership, plans are underway to establish a film city in Benin Republic that will serve as a production hub for filmmakers across Africa and beyond. The proposed film city will provide infrastructure for large scale productions, training opportunities for young creatives and a platform for cultural tourism.

Industry insiders say the initiative aligns with growing efforts to position West Africa as a competitive destination for international film production. The project is also expected to create jobs and boost the local creative economy in Benin.

In addition to the film city development, Kunle Afolayan will co produce an Orisha and Vodun inspired series that will explore traditional African spirituality, mythology and history. The series aims to present authentic African narratives to a global streaming audience while preserving cultural integrity.

Vodun, widely practiced in Benin, shares historical links with Yoruba Orisha traditions in Nigeria. By blending these interconnected belief systems into a cinematic production, the project seeks to spotlight shared heritage and foster cultural unity.

Kunle Afolayan, known for critically acclaimed productions that celebrate African stories, has consistently advocated for quality storytelling and world class production standards in Nollywood. His involvement in this cross country initiative signals a new chapter for African cinema as filmmakers increasingly pursue international collaborations.

Observers note that the partnership could elevate the global visibility of African spiritual narratives, which have often been misunderstood or misrepresented in mainstream media. By taking ownership of these stories, African creators are positioning themselves to define how their culture is portrayed on the world stage.

Details about casting, production timelines and distribution platforms are expected to be announced in the coming months. However, the announcement alone has already generated excitement within Nollywood and across the West African creative community.