Sèmè City, a flagship initiative of the Benin Republic’s government focused on human capital development, has teamed up with EbonyLife Media, Africa’s leading media conglomerate, to announce the creation of the Sèmè City Film Lab. This innovative film incubation program, supported by the World Bank, aims to equip young talents in Benin Republic with the skills needed to excel in the screen industries. Selected projects, including short films and TV pilots, will have the opportunity to receive funding and production support.
A Unique Alliance for Aspiring Creatives
The Sèmè City Film Lab responds to the needs of emerging screenwriters and content producers in film and television. The program offers a comprehensive educational curriculum, mentoring opportunities, and access to a vibrant creative community. The first cohort will consist of thirty young talents, chosen for their potential and passion, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young female creatives to enhance diversity and representation.
Comprehensive Training Structure
The program spans 14 months, divided into two phases: a 6.5-month learning phase followed by an intensive 7-month production phase. Participants will receive both theoretical and practical training covering all aspects of screenwriting and film production, including narrative development, character creation, dialogue writing, and post-production processes. The goal is to equip participants with the necessary skills to create captivating and marketable cinematic content, thereby boosting production in Benin Republic.
Application Details
Applications are open to creatives aged 18 to 35 who are proficient in English and committed to completing the 14-month course in Benin Republic. Registration is open from October 17, 2024, to December 20, 2024. For more information about the Sèmè City Film Lab, interested individuals can visit www.semecity.ebonylifecreativeacademy.com.
Transforming the Screen Industry in Benin Republic
The Sèmè City Film Lab is pivotal in transforming the screen industries in Benin Republic, creating a dynamic ecosystem of young talents capable of producing high-quality cinematic content. By highlighting local stories and filming locations, the lab aims to position Benin Republic as a production hub, contributing to the country’s ambitious vision in the screen sector.
Leadership Statements
Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “We are immensely honoured to partner with Sèmè City for this ground-breaking initiative. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of supporting creative entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Claude Borna, Managing Director of Sèmè City, added, “The Sèmè City Film Lab represents a significant milestone in creating new opportunities for young people in the film and television sectors. This partnership opens unprecedented perspectives by connecting talents from Benin Republic and Nigeria and fostering synergies.”
About Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media
Sèmè City is dedicated to human capital development, hosting top-tier educational institutions and incubators for startups in various fields. It partners with leading organizations like the World Bank and EbonyLife Media.
EbonyLife Media, led by Mo Abudu, is committed to showcasing African narratives globally, producing premium content through its various platforms, including the EbonyLife Creative Academy, which trains aspiring filmmakers for success in both Nigerian and international markets.
For further information, visit www.semecity.bj and www.ebonylifemedia.com.
