Kunle Afolayan & Other African Filmmakers Take On the US for AFS Film & TV Leadership Initiative Program

Visionary filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has been selected to participate in the African Creative TV Initiative (ACTV), a groundbreaking program aimed at equipping African TV creators with the skills and tools needed to compete globally.

Alongside Bolanle Austen-Peters, Mr. Afolayan will participate in this prestigious initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and authenticity of African storytelling in television.

Their journey will take them to Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Atlanta.

Spearheaded by the USC School of Cinematic Arts through the American Film Showcase (AFS) and in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the program focuses on fostering leadership and creative excellence across Africa’s TV industry.

This opportunity will enable participants to strengthen connections with global networks and open doors for future collaborations.

Kunle Afolayan expressed his enthusiasm for being part of this leadership initiative, highlighting how this opportunity allows African storytellers to elevate their narratives and showcase the continent’s rich cultures to a global audience.

The initiative serves as a platform to connect African creators with some of the most influential figures in the international entertainment industry.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond personal growth, as it underscores a new chapter in African television, bringing a global focus to the region’s stories and talent.

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State through the American Film Showcase, the Middleburg Film Festival will host a delegation of leading Kenyan and Nigerian filmmakers, including Mr Afolayan, to share their work and discuss the role of African cinema in the global creative economy.

This initiative marks a significant step toward positioning African content on the world stage, providing resources that will ensure African stories resonate with audiences worldwide.

For more information about the Middleburg Film Festival lineup, click here.