Kunle Afolayan
PicNews
Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film and Television Academy, in partnership with the Oyo State Government, has launched a 10-day filmmaking residency designed specifically for youths in Oyo State. The initiative is scheduled to run from October 6 to October 15, 2025, and will be held at the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, the same facility where Afolayan shot his Netflix blockbuster Aníkúlápó. The programme, tagged “Emerging Stories,” is aimed at nurturing the creative potential of young aspiring filmmakers across the state, offering them not just technical training but also the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the process of filmmaking. Participants will be drawn from all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, ensuring inclusivity and giving equal opportunities to talented youths regardless of their backgrounds.
The residency is designed as an intensive experience, exposing participants to the full spectrum of filmmaking. It will cover the key areas of screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and the business aspects of film, equipping the participants with knowledge that goes beyond creative artistry to include the professional and commercial skills necessary to sustain a career in the industry. In addition to technical learning, the programme emphasizes discipline, storytelling passion, and cultural authenticity, with the goal of producing filmmakers who can compete globally while telling uniquely African stories.
One of the most exciting aspects of the residency is the access to mentorship from some of the most respected names in the Nigerian film industry. Kunle Afolayan himself will play a central role in guiding participants, alongside other industry legends such as Tunde Kelani and Joke Silva, who will bring decades of experience and insight to the training. This hands-on mentorship ensures that the youths are not only trained but are also directly inspired by trailblazers who have helped shape Nollywood into a globally recognized industry. The residency promises to be a platform where participants can learn, experiment, and find their voices as storytellers, while building valuable networks that could shape their careers in the years to come.
The Oyo State Government’s involvement reflects its commitment to youth empowerment and the development of the creative economy. Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his readiness to support initiatives that create opportunities for young people, while also positioning Oyo State as a hub for cultural and creative industries. The government has pledged to provide infrastructural support for the KAP Film Village and Resort, including the rehabilitation of roads leading to the facility and possible provision of electricity through dedicated power lines and solar mini-grids. These measures are aimed at making the film village not only a center for training but also a viable destination for cultural tourism and large-scale film production.
Since its establishment in 2021, the KAP Film and Television Academy has already made a significant impact, training over 40,000 students across Africa through a mix of online and in-person programmes. The launch of this residency marks another milestone in its mission to empower the next generation of African filmmakers. The initiative underscores the growing recognition of Nollywood as not just an entertainment industry but a vital driver of economic growth, cultural export, and youth development. By giving young people in Oyo State the tools, mentorship, and exposure they need, the residency seeks to unlock talents that might otherwise remain hidden, creating a ripple effect of opportunity, creativity, and innovation that will benefit both the state and the wider Nigerian film industry.
