KAP Film and Television Academy, a collaborative venture between renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and the French Embassy in Nigeria, recently concluded its Advanced Filmmaking Masterclass with a graduation ceremony at the KAP Hub in Lagos.
The diploma course, a collaborative initiative between KAP and the French Embassy, began on 25 November and concluded on Monday with a remarkable graduation ceremony. This event included the screening of short films, the awarding of certificates, and a cocktail reception to honor the accomplishments of the participants.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in a thorough curriculum that explored multiple facets of filmmaking, such as screenwriting, acting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, sound design, production design, and the business of film.
Participants benefited from practical training provided by prominent industry experts, including Kunle Afolayan, filmmaker Tunde Kelani, actress Bimbo Akintola, screenwriter Tunde Babalola, production sound mixer Paul Adu, Ope Ajayi, founder and CEO of Cinemax Distribution Limited, and actress/filmmaker Judith Audu.
The extensive curriculum encompassed screenwriting, directing, production design, cinematography, editing, sound, acting, and the business aspects of filmmaking.
Guided by their mentors, participants crafted scripts and transformed them into short film projects.
During his opening address at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Afolayan expressed his appreciation to the French Embassy for its support and collaboration with KAP Film and Television Academy.
The director of Anikulapo praised the graduating class for their commitment and progress throughout the program.
“This group of graduates distinguished themselves through their thoroughness,” he remarked.
Encouraging the students to continue to challenge themselves, he stated, “We are willing to support any film with strong potential. This is merely the beginning.”
In introducing Christophe Pecot, the audio-visual attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Afolayan reiterated France’s enduring commitment to supporting filmmaking and cultural partnerships in Nigeria.
“France has consistently led the way in promoting culture. KAP has established numerous partnerships with French companies, resulting in mutually beneficial collaborations for both parties.”
There is a distinct quality to our collaboration with France, and I am optimistic that it will persist, allowing us to train even more young individuals, he remarked.
He noted that the influence of the French language and culture plays a significant role in his films, such as The CEO and Citation.
Mr. Pecot expressed his pleasure at being part of the event.
“This has been an exceptional partnership journey, and we could not let this opportunity pass us by.
“The embassy has consistently supported the collaboration between our nations in the audio-visual sector. Each year, we invite filmmakers and directors to various film festivals, markets, and events held in France.
“The industry requires a greater number of highly skilled technicians and professionals to establish Nigeria as the leading film production hub in Africa,” he stated.
During the graduation ceremony, four short films created by the students—Christmas Eve, Silent Hunger, The Culprit, and Photoshoot—were showcased.
The Culprit and Photoshoot were highlighted as exceptional films and received special recognition from the founder of KAP Academy, who also awarded cash prizes to the other two films.
The event concluded with participants receiving their certificates and celebrating their accomplishments at a cocktail reception alongside prominent industry figures.
KAP Film & Television Academy continues to lead the way in quality filmmaking education in Nigeria, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for the upcoming generation of filmmakers.