Afolayan partners Hollywood director to train Nigerian youths

Nollywood actor and film producer, Kunle Afolayan has teamed up with Hollywood director, Angel Williams and cinematographer, Erin Wesley to launch a four-day intensive workshop focused on directing and cinematography.

This initiative is part of the programmes introduced by the KAP Film and Television Academy in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.

Held from November 12–16, 2024, the workshop aims to equip the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers and creators with hands-on experience from leading industry professionals in the United States.

In a statement made available to Saturday Beats, Afolayan emphasised his commitment to youth empowerment and praised the selfless dedication of the U.S. Consular General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the project.

“This is a capacity-building programme, which we decided to merge with a special edition of Reel Circle because our focus is on young people, whom we intend to train. Though the Reel Circle is a platform for everybody, our attention here is on the youth. I have done a lot with the diplomatic community, but I have never seen any diplomat as selfless as Will Stevens.

“We have a partnership that stemmed from my recent trip to the United States, where I attended a creative programme supported by the United States Embassy Consulate in Nigeria. We went to L.A., D.C., Virginia, and Atlanta to meet with stakeholders and exchange ideas on film,” he said.

The workshop’s opening event featured contributions from esteemed figures in the film industry, including cinematographer and filmmaker Tunde Kelani, film star Sola Sobowale; renowned film editor Steve Sodiya, Seun Soyinka, and Olumide Iyanda.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]