KAP Academy graduates secure AFRIFF screening

Two short films produced by young Beninese filmmakers who graduated from the KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp are set to be screened in the Students’ Film category at the next edition of the Africa International Film Festival.

The opportunity was announced by the founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, 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 before assuring the 20 graduates that two of their films would be featured at the festival.

The announcement added an international dimension to the graduation ceremony, providing 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 was organised through a partnership between KAP Film and Television Academy and the Government of the Republic of Benin, through its audiovisual agency, SOPA.

The programme provided 20 young Beninese creatives with training in filmmaking theory, practical production and other aspects of film-making, culminating in the production and premiere of three original short films.

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Speaking at the event, Ude noted the importance of creating platforms where emerging filmmakers could have their work seen beyond the classroom.

AFRIFF, which was 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.