February 20, (THEWILL) — Award‑winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has signed a major international partnership with the government of the Benin Republic to promote African cinema and creative production.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the KAP Hub in Lagos with the Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA), making Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Group a strategic partner in Benin’s plan to develop a competitive film industry.
Speaking at the signing, Afolayan described the partnership as a “defining moment for African cinema, where visionary leadership, cultural authenticity, and creative enterprise converge to project our stories, our people, and our creative strength to the world in the most compelling way.”
A central part of the partnership is the co‑production of a large-scale TV series inspired by Orisha and Vodun traditions. The series will combine Nigerian and Beninese stories for global audiences and employ advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, virtual sets, and visual effects.
The MoU also focuses on training young filmmakers, strengthening regional film skills, and building a world-class Film City in Ouidah, Benin, to support large productions and nurture local talent.
The signing was attended by a high-level delegation from Benin, led by Sinatou Saka, special adviser to the president on media and audiovisual affairs. The team also included Coline-Lee Toumson-Venite (Special Adviser for Arts and Culture), Bassirou Ndiaye (CEO of SOPA S.A), Faissol Gnonlonfin (Director of Cinema and Performing Arts at ADAC), and Meto Adoglo (Program Manager for Storytelling at Sèmè City).
Officials expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to boost skills and collaboration.
The delegation will tour KAP Group’s production hub in Lagos and the KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye-Komu, Oyo State, as part of activities scheduled from February 19 to 22.
Afolayan, known for raising production standards in Nollywood, has directed films such as ‘The Figurine (Araromire)’, ‘October 1’, ‘Phone Swap’, ‘Citation’, and ‘Aníkúlápó’, which reached global audiences on major streaming platforms.
He also runs the KAP Film & Television Academy and the KAP Film Village & Resort, supporting talent development and large-scale productions.
The partnership with Benin Republic is a major step for Pan-African creative collaboration, promoting authentic African stories while building skills and infrastructure across the continent.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
