US Embassy Nairobi Film Fupi Academy Program 2024: Apply Now!
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Introduction to the Film Fupi Academy Program
The US Embassy Nairobi Film Fupi Academy program 2024 for young aspiring filmmakers is now accepting applications. The US Embassy in Nairobi has partnered with the Youth Film Platform to launch the Inaugural Film Fupi Academy program for young aspiring filmmakers. The program will empower 30 aspiring filmmakers drawn from Eastlands-Nairobi County with practical and professional skills in filmmaking for income generation and social self-expression.
The Film Fupi Academy program will provide a hands-on film-making learning experience that builds participants’ exposure to the technical and professional skills needed to write, produce, shoot, and edit quality short films featuring effects makeup. This will expand Kenya’s creative economic development, foster inclusive societies, and provide financial security to Kenyans. The program is expected to run for 12 months, from November 2023 to November 2024.
The rapidly growing film industry is a great trigger for job creation and a medium for economic gain worldwide. The African film industry has great potential that can be further tapped for social and economic development. Africa boasts successful creative industries in some countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco. Kenya, in particular, has a small film industry by global standards, but the country has been a filming location since the early 1950s.
The films made in the country propel Kenyan culture and stories on the global platform. The government has made conscious efforts to develop Kenya’s creative industry. There however been few filmmaking capacity development programs. There is a need, therefore, to unveil the talent, especially in youth by building their capacity through hands-on and talent-based training and giving them a platform for social self-expression; telling the Kenyan Story and most importantly for income generation.
According to the Kenya 2019 population census report, over half of Kenya’s population comprises youth below 20 years old. Few of them are involved in making decisions that affect their lives, desires, interests and future. Similarly, to excel in today’s fast-moving world, it takes special skills to rise above the rest. This requires concentrating, conceptualising, connecting and synthesising information to arrive at an innovation.
This is best realized through creative arts, besides other initiatives, where youth, among other people, can be moulded and actively involved. This will ensure that their opinions are heard and respected through filmmaking.
About the Film Fupi Academy Program
Film Fupi Academy is an initiative that works towards ameliorating skills deficiency in the film industry. This intensive twelve (12) months hands-on Program is designed to familiarize participants with cinematic language and filmmaking techniques through a series of collaborative assignments including exploration of a variety of film production specialisms; from writing and directing to cinematography; composing, production design and editing. The program will also conduct specialized film make-up classes facilitated by one of Kenya’s finest make-up artists.
In order to take the quality of Kenyan Films to the next level, there is also a need for specialised make-up skills that contribute greatly to the artistic look of the characters in a film. Each of the program beneficiaries will take a compulsory module of make-up for film.
The program will provide participants with an opportunity to benchmark with some of the best filmmakers locally, regionally and globally. The intense and hands-on Program will provide a platform to identify and nurture creative talents; and to promote film creation in Eastlands- Nairobi County as a means of job creation for the youth. The Program will also provide intense training in various filmmaking and production techniques to ensure participants acquire the requisite skills and a range of cinematic practices.
The Program is intended to enhance competencies, innovativeness and creativity; and to address technical skills development in film production. This will be done by incorporating technology to meet the demands of the current film job market and the anticipated continued influence of the digital age in the film industry. Participants will get the opportunity to tap their creative art talents, gain practical experience in film production and popularize the industry for job creation especially for the youth currently left out of film training programs that are academic based.
The Film Industry encompasses many other arts including Writing, Design, Photography, Make-up, Hairstyling, Drawing, performing arts, sound recording and design, and editing just to name but a few. A variety of ancillary services are also provided in the process including Catering, location scouting, casting agencies, film festivals and markets among others. The Program will expose learners to all these facets of Film Production and the wide range of opportunities available in the creative arts Industry.
Eligibility Criteria For Film Fupi Academy Program
- The program is open to young aspiring filmmakers and make-up artists
- Participants will present a Showreel of their previous projects
- Participants should be between 16-35 years, and they must be citizens of Kenya and currently Living in Eastlands or in a position to attend classes in Eastlands at their own cost.
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected through a competitive, merit-based, and intentionally inclusive application process. Participants will be judged based on their past work, their portfolio, and their passion for the film and entertainment industry. Those who are selected will receive comprehensive training and mentoring from industry professionals.
Benefits Of Film Fupi Academy Program
The Film Fupi program is designed to offer comprehensive assistance to young, up-and-coming filmmakers, helping them recognize and overcome the obstacles that often hinder their ability to bring their creative vision to fruition.
The program takes a holistic approach, providing support in all areas of the filmmaking process, from concept development to production and distribution. Through targeted guidance and mentorship, participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive world of filmmaking and will be empowered to take their talent to new heights. The project will provide a 6-month tailored course, 3 months of producing short films, 3 months of mentorship and professional networking
How To Apply For The Film Fupi Academy Program
Follow the instructions below to apply for the Film Fupi Academy Program
- Fill in the Application form online (link below) and attach the necessary documents and links
- Check program terms and conditions to see whether you qualify to apply
- Questions? Email info@youthfilmplatformafrica.com
To ensure your application is considered for the upcoming cycle, you must submit it on or before November 15, 2023. We strongly advise that you meticulously review the application information before submitting it to avoid any errors or omissions that could negatively impact your chances of being accepted. Click the link below to begin your application.
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