The KAP Film & Television Academy, founded by award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with the graduation of 165 emerging filmmakers from its Filmmaking Residency Program.
The event, held at the scenic KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, showcased the talents of participants drawn from all 33 local government areas of the state.
The 10-day intensive residency, made possible through a partnership with the Oyo State Government and supported by SONY and Kontakt Pro Nigeria, offered hands-on training in key aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, and sound design.
A highlight of the ceremony was the screening of eight short films produced by the residency groups. Each film reflected storytelling, teamwork, and authentic depictions of local culture, earning applause from guests and faculty members alike.
Representing the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Seyi Makinde, his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, praised the program as a “significant economic and cultural development milestone for the state.”
He commended Kunle Afolayan and the KAP team for creating a “creative ecosystem that promotes film, talent, and tourism in Oyo State,” and congratulated the students for their dedication, describing their work as “a true representation of Oyo’s cultural pride and creative excellence.”
Speaking at the event, Kunle Afolayan encouraged the graduates to remain disciplined and culturally grounded in their craft. “Attention to details and commitment to creativity are non-negotiable for great filmmakers. These students have shown that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish into excellence. I encourage them to keep making films together and continue telling our stories with pride,” he said.
The students also received constructive feedback from distinguished industry experts including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kemi Adesoye, Rotimi Fakunle and Lola Maja, who praised their storytelling, collaboration, and technical growth over the course of the program.
Adding his voice, the Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheus Alobaloke III, commended both the government and KAP Academy, expressing satisfaction at another successful milestone in the development of KAP Film Village & Resort, which he had originally blessed.
The KAP Filmmaking Residency Program reinforces the academy’s mission to train, empower and inspire the next generation of African storytellers, offering a professional platform for emerging talent in film and television.
KAP Film & Television Academy, founded by Kunle Afolayan, the academy is one of Nigeria’s leading creative institutions dedicated to nurturing new voices in film and television. Students receive professional training in filmmaking, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, sound, and production management, gaining both technical skills and industry exposure.
KAP Film Village & Resort, located in Igbojaye, Oyo State, the KAP Film Village & Resort is a creative retreat combining filmmaking infrastructure with natural tranquility. It provides filmmakers, artists, and tourists a space for creation, relaxation and collaboration, and is home to major productions including the blockbuster Aníkúlápó.
