Academy partners U.S. Embassy to train youths in film-making, others

The Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP), a Nigerian film Academy, in collaboration with the United States (U.S.) Embassy has launched an intensive directing and cinematography workshop themed “Reel Circle,” to inspire, educate, and connect young filmmakers.

The event, which took place at the KAP Hub in Ikeja, Lagos, featured prominent guests, including the U.S. Consul-General, Will Stevens and Hollywood Director, Angel Kristi Williams, who is Director of the Class, and Cinematographer Erin G. Wesley as Director of Cinematography.

The Hollywood crew joined ace actor, director and filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, to embark on the four-day intensive workshop, which commenced on November 12 and will stretch till Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Afolayan said: “The focus of this workshop is to pass on as much knowledge and experience to the youths as possible. The workshop aims to develop the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers and creators by providing direct, hands-on experience with top U.S. industry professionals.”

He added that past beneficiaries of the programme had gone on to work on several KAP projects, with some even securing permanent roles within the organisation.

Afolayan also said that KAP had just concluded filming for the second season of his acclaimed film, Anikulapo. In his remarks, the U.S. Consul-General underscored the significance of the partnership, saying: “As an American diplomat, I deeply appreciate the power of our culture, and I believe we’re entering the African century. By 2050, Nigeria will be the third-largest country and the second-largest democracy. You’re shaping how people perceive your culture and your country, and I’m grateful that the U.S. mission can support that. Through partnerships with American storytellers and the American film industry, we’re proud to help foster the next generation of filmmakers.”

Also, Wesley said: “This is a capacity building programme, which we decided to merge with a special edition of Reel Circle because our focus is on young people, whom we intend to train through the Reel Circle.”