Kunle Afolayan, French Embassy partner for training of new generation of filmmakers
Kunle Afolayan, French Embassy partner for training of new generation of filmmakers
Mr. Kunle Afolayan is one of a kind. A multiple award-winning filmmaker, he has not only been showcasing Nigerian culture on the global stage via film, he has over the years been nurturing and producing a new generation of filmmakers that would take the world by storm.
It was in this vein that his brain child, The KAP Film.and Television Academy in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria recently trained a new crop of filmmakers via the Advanced Filmmaking Masterclass.
“For me we are committed to training and empowering and building capacity. And that is what we stand for. I am very proud of these students because from here they are starting their own journey, their own career. And I am really proud of that.
“Film and television is something we are very passionate about here. And TK , as we all call him, is a living witness to one of the reasons why we are here today.
“This is really borne out of passion and the quest to want to groom new generation of filmmakers who will continue to tell the stories even while we are still here. And what is so special about this particular programme, really is the dedication of the students,” Afolayan said.
Afolayan, who commended the French Embassy in Nigeria for the collaboration, said he was not surprised at the kind of assistance they got from the Embassy as France has always supported the promotion of culture.
“But again out of all the organizations or institutes or institutions that we ‘have partnered with I think the French Embassy in Nigeria has been very generous to you guys. This would have cost you millions.
“It has really helped because there there is no way we would have been able to fund. We have built the structure. Interventions like this from all these organizations help sort the students school fees. And a continuation of something like this would really help to build a very strong trust and empowerment in the youths
The programme, which held from November 25 to December 16, 2024, brought together 40 intermediate-level filmmakers to enhance their skills across various aspects of filmmaking.
The programme ended with a memorable graduation ceremony on December 16, featuring the screening of the short films, the presentation of certificates, and a cocktail reception to celebrate the participants’ achievements.
The four films that were shown that day were: Christmas Eve, Silent Hunger, Culprit and Photoshoot. Still, a very interesting feature of the graduation ceremony is that Afolayan did not only select Culprit as the best film, he also rewarded the winners with the sum of one million naira.
This kind gesture, according to Afolayan was geared towards making the students produce another film with equipment that would be provided by the academy.
Afolayan also rewarded the team that produced Photoshoot, which he adjuged as the second best, with the sum of five hundred thousand naira.
Christopher Pecot, Audiovisual attache at the French Embassy in Nigeria thanked Afolayan and his team, saying it was a big honour to be at the event
“I think it has been a great partnership and a kind of opportunity we could not miss. Indeed, the French Embassy has already been supporting collaborations between our two countries in various sectors. Each year we sponsor filmmakers and directors to film festivals, markets and any other events taking place in France. Each year we also invite some French producers to attend.the.African International Film Festival in Lagos,” Pecot said.
Pecot was also impressed with the quality of short films that the students produced.
“First, I would like to congratulate all of you because you did a great job. I would also like to thank your teachers because they also did a great job. You know it’s a long trip to be a filmmaker. You have the good tracks. The key success of your project is the script. Be careful with the scripts. Scriptwriting is very important. I have confidence in all of you,” Pecot maintained.
Ace filmmaker Tunde Kelani congratulated the students for being able to achieve so much with the little resources and equipment they had, adding that they were on their way to becoming good filmmakers.
“I am here to congratulate you, the young film makers who took this practical course. And as you can see, with limited equipment and resources, you have achieved this. You have to work as a team. You have been able to discover your weaknesses and your strength.
“But I am happy from what I have seen that You are on your way to becoming good film makers. And of course, you are privileged. You have been spoonfed and the Audio-visual department of the French Embassy.im.Nigeria put money for your development. I think you should be grateful. You will never forget this experience,”Kelani.
Asked to comment on the films, he said: “I don’t want to comment on all the films. But the one that really excited me was that film that spoke about our socio-political system. This is not just entertainment. But under this condition, you are able to make a film that actually interrogates and ask questions to challenge the system. So in other words, you have been able to realize that this is not just entertainment, your tools and cameras are a weapon.
“As young people, please keep practising. And you have all had the opportunity of working with other people. From now on, you are going to lean on each other. This is what film making is all about.”
At the end of the day, the training programme was a huge success. Participants had the privilege of learning from renowned facilitators, including Kunle Afolayan, Tunde Kelani, Bimbo Akintola, Tunde Babalola, Ope Ajayi, Judith Audu and others.
They gained hands-on experience by developing scripts under their mentors’ guidance, which later served as the foundation for their group short film projects. Each participant practiced essential filmmaking processes such as pre-production, directing, acting, cinematography, production design and post-production culminating in the creation of their own short films.
Prof. Tunji Azeez, head of school, had earlier set the tone for the ceremony when he said; “It gives me great pleasure to once again stand here on this occasion for us to graduate another set of students we believe are going to transform the movie industry in Nigeria and globally. And this has been possible because some people have the idea to say let’s give back to society.”
Notable individuals at the graduating ceremony included Mr. Seun Soyinka, Mr Olumide Iyanda as well as parents and guardians of the graduating students.
