Kunle Afolayan, one of Nigeria’s most iconic filmmakers, has partnered with the United States Embassy in Nigeria to empower aspiring Nigerian filmmakers through a comprehensive four-day workshop. The training is being held at Afolayan’s KAP Film and Television Academy in Lagos and focuses on the technical and creative aspects of directing and cinematography. This initiative is part of the academy’s Reel Circle program, a recurring platform designed to mentor young talents and foster creativity in the Nigerian film industry.
The idea for this collaboration was born during Afolayan’s recent visit to the U.S., where discussions with stakeholders highlighted the need to build capacity among Nigerian filmmakers. Reflecting on the partnership, Afolayan stated, “When the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Embassy came, we felt we could merge capacity-building training with Reel Circle. Our focus is on young people, but Reel Circle welcomes all creatives.”
The workshop is being facilitated by seasoned American industry professionals, including Angel Williams, a U.S.-based writer and director, and Erin Wesley, a cinematographer and visual artist. Their expertise aims to bridge the gap between local talent and international standards in filmmaking. In his address, Afolayan emphasized the importance of instilling both knowledge and discipline in young filmmakers, noting, “It’s like raising a child. Some of them are genuinely passionate, while others may see it as a quick path to fame. Regardless, our responsibility is to pass on the knowledge.”
This partnership is part of a larger effort by the KAP Academy to provide world-class training opportunities to Nigerian youths. The academy has already trained over 10,000 individuals through previous collaborations with the French Embassy and a German company. Afolayan proudly mentioned that some of these trainees have gone on to work with his academy and other top studios, calling it a “success story.”
Will Stevens, the U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, underscored the significance of cultural exchange in the partnership. He highlighted how collaborations like this promote mutual understanding and strengthen the creative industries in both countries. Stevens remarked, “The power of culture can transform perceptions and foster deeper connections. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to innovation and storytelling.”
The event has attracted prominent figures in Nollywood, including veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani, actress Sola Sobowale, and producer Steve Sodiya. It aims to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.
Scheduled to run from November 12 to November 16, this workshop is expected to not only inspire the next generation of filmmakers but also to elevate the standards of storytelling and production in Nollywood. Afolayan expressed his hope that such partnerships would continue to open doors for Nigerian creatives to thrive both locally and globally .
