Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan shines at FESPACO 2025

• Afolayan significantly impacted the film festival by showcasing his vision, expertise, and dedication to African cinema development through his KAP (Kunle Afolayan Productions) Group.

The achievements of Kunle Afolayan as a filmmaker are undeniably remarkable. His accomplishments are well-documented. The internationally acclaimed filmmaker once again demonstrated his exceptional talent at the recently concluded 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO).

Afolayan made a notable impression at the festival by showcasing his vision, expertise, and commitment to advancing African cinema through the various initiatives of his company, KAP (Kunle Afolayan Productions) Group.

FESPACO, recognized as the largest film festival in Africa, takes place biennially in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. It highlights the finest works from the continent and serves as a platform to promote African cinema, encouraging filmmakers to share their narratives and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Afolayan was the highlight of the festival, particularly during a full day dedicated to his initiatives, known as “KAP Day at FESPACO.” He conducted an engaging masterclass titled “Business of Cinema: Balancing Creative with Commercial Visibility.” This well-attended session was highly educational, providing valuable insights into various funding options available to filmmakers.

Afolayan’s KAP Academy garnered attention as a prominent institution focused on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. This initiative emphasized not only the technical aspects of filmmaking but also the strategies necessary for achieving success in a filmmaking career.

One of the most memorable highlights of the festival was the screening of the classic 1978 film, “Ija Ominira,” created by the late Adeyemi Afolayan, affectionately known as Ade Love, who was also Kunle’s father.

Originally unveiled at FESPACO, the film was showcased as a FESPACO classic at the renowned Cine de Burkina, much to the delight of attendees who had personal connections with the legendary Adelove.

Participants expressed their heartfelt sentiments, taking pride in Afolayan’s dedication to restoring and preserving his father’s cinematic works. The event served as a poignant homage to the legacy of African cinema.

In addition, Afolayan demonstrated his considerable talent with the screening of his upcoming film, “RECALL,” at the Conseil Économique et Social (CES), which was met with enthusiasm from the audience. Scheduled for theatrical release on April 4, 2025, the film received enthusiastic acclaim from those present.

The impressive turnout underscored the excitement and anticipation surrounding Afolayan’s latest project. It was a moment of pride for Nigeria as Afolayan welcomed filmmakers from across the globe to an evening enriched by the essence of Nigerian music and exquisite cuisine. This gathering exemplified the dynamic and collaborative nature of the international film community.

In his closing remarks, Afolayan encouraged filmmakers to continue sharing authentic narratives and to avoid limiting themselves to producing a single film every five years. “Try to make one film every year at least,” he urged. His message resonated deeply, inspiring a renewed dedication to creativity and productivity within the industry.