The KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp officially came to an inspiring close on 18 September 2026, marking a significant milestone after 12 weeks of intensive filmmaking education, cultural exchange and hands-on training for 20 emerging filmmakers from the Republic of Benin.

 

A partnership between KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA (Société de Productions Audiovisuelles) of the Republic of Benin, the Pan-African initiative was designed to equip young creatives with the technical knowledge, practical experience and creative confidence required to tell authentic African stories and Own the Narrative.

 

From Benin to Lagos and ultimately to the KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, the participants immersed themselves in the filmmaking process, working across disciplines and transforming ideas into finished short films.

A GATHERING OF AFRICA’S FILMMAKING COMMUNITY

The graduation and awards ceremony brought together an impressive gathering of filmmakers, industry professionals, cultural leaders and creative practitioners from across Africa and beyond.

 

Among the notable Nigerian filmmakers and industry figures in attendance were Femi Odugemi, Awam Amkpa, Tade Ogidan, Sola Sobowale, Tunde Kelani, Chioma Ude, Jahman Anikulapo, and Ibrahim Chatta.

 

The event also welcomed celebrated international filmmakers and industry professionals, including Keith Shiri, Jean-Pierre Bekolo, Virginie Besson-Silla, and Yasmeen Telsem.

 

Representatives of the Republic of Benin, including representatives from SOPA and the Deputy Consul General of Benin, were also present to celebrate the achievements of the participants and the success of the partnership.

 


The distinguished guests shared words of encouragement with the graduates, reflecting on the importance of storytelling, perseverance, cultural identity and the responsibility of African filmmakers to tell stories from their own perspectives.


 

THREE STORIES, ONE AFRICAN VOICE.

 The highlight of the closing ceremony was the premiere of three short films created by the participants during their 12-week filmmaking journey.

Miss Bébé

Miss Bébé is a family drama that takes a satirical look at marriage and the dynamics that can emerge within it.

Blending humour, family relationships and social commentary, the film demonstrates the participants’ ability to explore everyday experiences through an entertaining and thought-provoking cinematic lens.

Wale

Wale follows a young artist faced with a difficult choice between his family and his career.

The film stood out for its creative fusion of contemporary storytelling and African folklore, celebrating the richness of African culture while exploring the personal sacrifices that often accompany the pursuit of one’s dreams.

For its creativity, cultural expression and the effort invested in bringing the story to life, Wale received the Jury Special Mention award.

Dji

With depth, urgency and a compelling exploration of survival, Dji tells the story of a community struggling through a devastating drought.

As the natural disaster threatens the survival of the people, the struggle for resolution becomes complicated by greed and an intense thirst for power. The film explores how desperation can influence human choices and delay the hope of an entire community. 

For its storytelling, thematic depth and overall execution, Dji was awarded the Overall Best Film.

CELEBRATING EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVITY

 

Beyond the films, outstanding participants were recognised for their commitment, creativity and contribution throughout the programme.

 

Gbaguidi Marama was recognised as the Overall Best Creative Participant (Female), while Guidigan Ronel received the award for Overall Best Creative Participant (Male).

The faculty also proudly commended all 20 participants for their dedication throughout the programme.

 

Each graduate received an internationally recognised Certificate of Completion from KAP Film & Television Academy, marking the completion of their intensive Pan-African filmmaking training and their emergence as a new generation of African filmmakers.

AFRIFF BECKONS 

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came from filmmaker and African film advocate Chioma Ude, who expressed her confidence in the students’ work and assured them that their films would be considered for the Students’ Film category at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Her encouragement offered the graduates another important opportunity to take their stories beyond the classroom and onto an international festival platform.

 

OWNING THE NARRATIVE

The KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp was built around a simple but powerful idea: African filmmakers must be empowered to tell their own stories.

Over 12 weeks, these young creatives moved from learning the fundamentals of filmmaking to collaborating across cultures, developing stories, producing films and experiencing the realities of working as a creative team.

 

Their journey is a reminder that African stories are diverse, powerful and worthy of global audiences.

As the programme comes to an end, the journey for these filmmakers is only beginning. 

They came together from the Republic of Benin.

They learned, created and collaborated across borders.

They told stories rooted in African experiences.

And, ultimately, they Owned the Narrative.

 

MEET THE NEW PAN-AFRICAN FILMMAKERS

The 20 graduates of the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp are:


Dosseh Diderot

Godeme Nicanor

Ahimakin Guy-Ange Djomion

Boton Valentin

Hounkpatin Adjikè

Arlette Janice Kiansi Reine

Yekini Manchoud

Dakin Wilfried

Guidigan Ronel

Bankole Marzouk

Hounnon Césaire

Ahounou Octavis

Cakpo Diane Jesuton

Yayi Gracia Odile

Gbaguidi Marama

Akakpo Carine

Bakiri Zime Kperegui

Abdoulaye Amzath

Behanzin Nelly

Kiki Mahuna Joel

 

PARTNERS


The success of the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp and its closing celebration was made possible through the valued support of partners who shared in the vision of empowering African creatives and amplifying African stories.

Nicotawines, FlyBoku.com, Octogone, TVC Entertainment, Natnudo Foods, Oyo State Government, and KAP Film Village & Resort contributed to the success of the programme and closing ceremony, helping create an experience worthy of celebrating the achievements of the 20 emerging filmmakers.

KAP Film & Television Academy appreciates these partners for their collaboration, support and commitment to the growth of Africa’s creative industry.

Together, we continue to create platforms where African talent can learn, connect, create and Own the Narrative.

 THE JOURNEY ENDS. THE STORY CONTINUES.

 

The KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp may have come to an end, but the stories created through this journey are only beginning to travel. 

Watch out for the names, the faces, and the stories taking over.

Congratulations to the graduates of the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp!