In Benin, Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media join forces to accelerate the transformation of the screen industries
Sèmè City, the Government of the Republic of Benin's flagship initiative dedicated to human capital development, and EbonyLife Media, Africa's leading media conglomerate with a global presence, in collaboration with EbonyLife Creative Academy, announce the creation of the Sèmè City Film Lab.
This innovative incubation program, supported by the World Bank, aims to equip young Beninese talent with the skills needed to excel in the screen-based industries, and offers a unique financing and production opportunity for selected projects, including short films and TV pilots.
A unique alliance for emerging scriptwriters and creative producers
Sèmè City Film Lab is an innovative response to the needs of aspiring screenwriters and content producers for film and TV. The program offers a comprehensive educational curriculum, mentoring opportunities and access to a vibrant creative community in Nigeria and beyond. The first cohort will include thirty young talents, selected for their potential and passion, regardless of their previous experience in film and television. The program places particular emphasis on the inclusion of young women, ensuring greater diversity and representation.
A comprehensive training program combining theory and practice
Lasting a total of 14 months, the program is structured in two phases: a 6.5-month apprenticeship phase followed by a 7-month intensive production phase. Participants will receive both theoretical and practical training covering all aspects of screenwriting and film production. Training modules include narrative development, character creation, dialogue writing, story development, pre-production planning and post-production processes. The aim is to equip participants with the skills needed to produce compelling, marketable film content, thereby stimulating production in the Republic of Benin.
Applications are open to creative people aged between 18 and 35, fluent in English, and ready to commit to the 14-month program in the Republic of Benin.
Candidates can apply between October 17, 2024 and December 20, 2024. For more information on Sèmè City Film Lab, please visit www.semecity.ebonylifecreativeacademy.com
A clear vision: to support the development of the screen-based industries (cinema, television, animation and video games) in the Republic of Benin.
Sèmè City Film Lab plays a key role in transforming the screen-based industries in the Republic of Benin by creating a dynamic ecosystem of young talent capable of producing high-quality film content. By showcasing local stories and locations, Sèmè City Film Lab promotes productions made in the Republic of Benin. This approach, which strengthens Benin's position as a production hub, is part of an ambitious vision to make the country an attractive destination in this sector.
Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, shares his enthusiasm: "We are immensely honored to partner with Sèmè City on this groundbreaking 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 determined to make this program a truly transformative experience for all participants. "
Claude BORNA, Managing Director of Sèmè City, added: "Sèmè City Film Lab represents a significant step forward in creating new opportunities for young people in the film and television sectors. This partnership between Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media opens up unprecedented prospects by connecting the talents of the Republic of Benin and Nigeria and fostering synergies. With this initiative, we aim to bring to the screen engaging and inspiring stories that will captivate audiences in Benin and beyond. "
For more information on the Sèmè City Film Lab and how to apply, please visit www.seme.ebonylifecreativeacademy.com
About Sèmè City
Sèmè City, the Government of the Republic of Benin's flagship initiative dedicated to human capital development, is home to leading higher education institutions, research platforms, and incubators for innovative startups and young companies in various fields. Initial programs focus on key areas such as digital technology, design, artificial intelligence, data science, screen industries and fashion. Its institutional and academic partners include leading organizations such as the World Bank, Enabel, Epitech, École de Design Nantes Atlantique, Sorbonne Université, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Gobelins, Institut Français de la Mode, and EbonyLife Media. www.semecity.bj
About EbonyLife Media
Led by CEO Mo Abudu, EbonyLife Media, part of the EbonyLife Group, is Africa's leading media entity, bringing together EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, EbonyLife Place, and the EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA). Dedicated to promoting African storytelling on a global scale, EbonyLife Media produces high-quality content that inspires, entertains and connects audiences worldwide.
The ELCA, supported by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI), was created to equip aspiring and established industry professionals with the practical and technical skills needed to create, produce and market African content.industry professionals with the practical and technical skills needed to build successful careers in scripted filmmaking for the Nigerian and international markets. www.ebonylifemedia.comhttps://ebonylifecreativeacademy.com
For further information, please contact
Sèmè City
Émilie HÉNAFF
Director of Partnerships and Corporate Relations ehenaff@semecity.com
EbonyLife Media
Michael OYEBADE
EbonyLife Creative Academy Administrator
admin@ebonylifecreativeacademy.com
Source: www.gouv.bj/
