U.S. Consulate partners KAP Academy to train Nigeria’s next generation of filmmakers

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has partnered with filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy to deliver intensive training aimed at empowering young Nigerian talents in the film industry.

Announced by Afolayan during the launch of a four-day workshop on November 12, the collaboration is set to provide aspiring filmmakers with direct, hands-on experience in directing and cinematography.

The event, held at the KAP Academy, saw U.S. Consul General Will Stevens join prominent figures in Nigerian cinema, including Sola Sobowale, Tunde Kelani, Steve Sodiya, and Ope Ajayi.

In his opening remarks, Afolayan highlighted the U.S. Embassy’s role in facilitating the participation of two acclaimed Hollywood professionals, director Angel Kristi Williams and cinematographer Erin G. Wesley, who are leading the workshop sessions for Nigerian youth from November 12 to November 16.

Williams, an award-winning writer and director from West Baltimore, and Wesley, a Los Angeles-born visual artist and cinematographer, bring extensive industry experience, having worked with global brands like Target and Adidas.

The four-day workshop is designed to give students practical experience in directing and cinematography, preparing them to contribute to the next wave of Nigerian storytelling.

Speaking at the event, Consul General Stevens highlighted the cultural significance of the collaboration, stating, “As an American diplomat, I feel deeply the power of our culture. For decades, the United States has benefited from cultural exchange, shaping perceptions of our country and generating interest in visiting and doing business in the U.S. Kunle and his colleagues are producing content watched worldwide, supported by platforms like Amazon and Netflix.”

“This investment reflects a global appetite for these stories, and I believe we’re entering what I call the ‘African Century.’ By 2050, Nigeria will be the world’s third-largest country and second-largest democracy, with Africa hosting over a billion people.”

“Nigerian filmmakers are preparing for this future by shaping how the world perceives their culture, country, and content. The U.S. mission is proud to support this through partnerships with American storytellers.”

Afolayan expressed gratitude to the U.S. Embassy, recounting how the partnership began during his recent trip to the United States, where he attended a creative program sponsored by the U.S. Consulate.

“We visited Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Atlanta to connect with industry leaders and exchange ideas. This workshop, focused on directing and cinematography, is a result of that initiative, and we’re lucky to have experts like Angel Kristi Williams and Erin G. Wesley here to share their knowledge,” he said.