The Sèmè City Film Lab, a groundbreaking initiative launched by the government of Benin Republic in partnership with EbonyLife Media and supported by the World Bank, aims to transform the screen industries by equipping young talents with the necessary skills to excel in film, television, and other screen-related fields.
This innovative program targets emerging screenwriters and creative producers in Benin Republic, providing them with comprehensive training and resources to develop their craft. The initiative represents a significant opportunity for selected projects, such as short films and TV pilots, to receive funding and production support, thus empowering a new generation of filmmakers.
The Sèmè City Film Lab will focus on a holistic educational experience through a 14-month program split into two phases. The first 6.5 months will be dedicated to learning, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of screenwriting and film production.
Participants will undergo training in essential skills like narrative development, character creation, dialogue writing, and production planning, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the demands of the film industry.
The final seven months will concentrate on an intensive production phase, where participants will put their skills to use in real-world film projects. This structure aims to boost the production quality in Benin Republic and develop content that resonates with local and international audiences.
The program is open to creative individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who are proficient in English and committed to completing the course. Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, the initiative particularly encourages young female talents to apply.
The first cohort of 30 participants will be selected based on their potential and passion, regardless of prior experience in the film industry. Applications open from 17 October to 20 December 2024, offering a promising opportunity for young creatives in the region.
The ultimate goal is to cultivate a vibrant pool of skilled filmmakers who can elevate Benin Republic’s cinematic presence and make the country a significant player in the global screen industries.
The vision behind the Sèmè City Film Lab extends beyond just training; it seeks to foster a sustainable ecosystem for film production in Benin Republic. By focusing on local stories, filming locations, and cultural narratives, the initiative aims to position the country as an attractive hub for the screen industries, encompassing cinema, television, animation, and even video games.
This effort aligns with Benin Republic’s broader ambitions to promote economic growth through creative industries and human capital development. The Film Lab is not just about producing content but about establishing Benin Republic as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
EbonyLife Media’s involvement brings significant expertise and credibility to the project, given the company’s reputation for producing premium content that connects with global audiences. CEO Mo Abudu expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to empowering young creatives and supporting the film industry’s growth.
The initiative reflects EbonyLife’s dedication to showcasing African narratives on the world stage and aligns with its broader mission to produce inspiring and culturally relevant content. The collaboration with Sèmè City also exemplifies the company’s strategy to bridge the gap between Nigerian and Beninese talents, creating a unified African film industry.
The Sèmè City Film Lab also underscores the Benin Republic government’s dedication to human capital development through Sèmè City, a flagship initiative that hosts educational institutions, research centers, and incubators across various fields.
The government’s support reflects its belief in the potential of creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural development. Sèmè City partners with prestigious institutions like the World Bank, Sorbonne University, and Gobelins to deliver top-tier programs in digital technology, data science, design, and now the screen industries.
The Film Lab adds a new dimension to these efforts, emphasizing the importance of creative entrepreneurship.
The partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA) adds substantial value to the Film Lab, given the academy’s proven track record in training film professionals. Supported by the Lagos State Government, ELCA was founded to equip aspiring filmmakers in Nigeria with practical skills and industry knowledge, enabling them to succeed in both local and international markets.
The extension of this training model to Benin Republic marks a significant step toward regional integration in the African film industry, allowing Beninese talents to benefit from the same world-class education that has propelled Nigerian filmmakers onto the global stage.
Claude Borna, Managing Director of Sèmè City, praised the partnership as a milestone for young people in the region, opening up new opportunities for growth in the film and television sectors. He emphasized the potential for collaboration between Beninese and Nigerian creatives, fostering synergies that could lead to a thriving West African film industry.
He said:
“The Sèmè City Film Lab represents a significant milestone in creating new opportunities for young people in the film and television sectors. This partnership between Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media opens unprecedented perspectives by connecting talents from Benin Republic and Nigeria and fostering synergies. With this initiative, we aim to bring to our screens engaging and inspiring stories that will captivate audiences in Benin Republic and beyond.”
The program’s focus on developing compelling stories aims to captivate audiences not just in Benin Republic but also internationally, showcasing the region’s cultural richness and storytelling capabilities.
The strategic objectives of the Sèmè City Film Lab go beyond skill development, aiming to establish a film production infrastructure that can attract international collaborations. By positioning Benin Republic as a desirable filming destination, the initiative could create job opportunities, stimulate local economies, and promote cultural tourism.
The program’s emphasis on high-quality productions will also help change perceptions about the country’s creative potential, encouraging more investment in its film industry.
Mo Abudu’s vision for the Film Lab reflects a long-term strategy to elevate African storytelling. She sees the partnership as a way to empower young creatives to become key players in the global content market, leveraging their unique perspectives and experiences.
In her words:
“We are immensely honoured to partner with Sèmè City for this ground-breaking initiative. This partnership reflects our shared vision of supporting creative entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. The support of the Beninese government is invaluable, and we are committed to making this programme a truly transformative experience for all participants.”
The collaboration between Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media aims to nurture creative entrepreneurs who can sustain a growing film industry in Benin Republic, thereby contributing to the diversification of the nation’s economy.
The Sèmè City Film Lab’s establishment marks a significant development in the history of Benin Republic’s cultural industries. With international support from partners such as the World Bank and collaboration with renowned academic institutions, the initiative sets a high standard for film education and production in West Africa.
It not only addresses the immediate need for skilled professionals in the screen industries but also lays the groundwork for a robust creative economy that could benefit future generations.
The focus on inclusive participation, especially of young women, indicates a commitment to diversity and representation in the film industry. This approach seeks to challenge traditional barriers and create a more equitable space for female creatives in Benin Republic, empowering them to tell their stories and share their perspectives.
By prioritizing gender diversity, the Film Lab aims to ensure that the country’s emerging film industry reflects the diversity of its population.
The Sèmè City Film Lab’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to cover all aspects of filmmaking, from script development to post-production. This approach provides participants with a deep understanding of the film industry, enabling them to navigate the complexities of film production and distribution successfully.
The practical nature of the training, combined with mentorship from industry professionals, ensures that graduates of the program will be well-prepared to enter the industry and make an immediate impact.
By fostering a creative ecosystem that supports young filmmakers, the Sèmè City Film Lab has the potential to produce a new wave of African cinematic content that resonates with both local and global audiences.
The initiative’s emphasis on producing content that highlights Benin Republic’s unique culture and landscapes could also contribute to a distinct film identity for the country, differentiating it from other African film markets. This cultural distinctiveness could be a key factor in attracting international attention and investment.
Ultimately, the Sèmè City Film Lab represents a bold step towards establishing Benin Republic as a major player in the global screen industries. The program’s success could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to leverage their cultural assets and develop human capital in the creative industries.
As the first cohort of participants embarks on this transformative journey, they will not only be shaping their careers but also the future of filmmaking in Benin Republic and beyond.
