KUNLE AFOLAYAN SIGNS LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH SOPA TO CO-PRODUCE ORISHA/VODUN-THEMED SERIES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has signed a major international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA) in the Benin Republic, marking a significant milestone in cross-border film collaboration.
The agreement, signed on Thursday in Lagos, establishes Kunle Afolayan Productions as a strategic partner in Benin’s bid to develop a globally competitive film ecosystem.
Key Project: Orisha/Vodun Series
At the centre of the partnership is a planned co-production of a large-scale television series themed around Orisha and Vodun spiritual traditions. The project will merge Nigerian and Beninese cultural narratives, creating a story tailored for international audiences.
Producers say the series will employ advanced production techniques, including the innovative use of artificial intelligence for pre-visualisation, virtual environments, visual effects, and story development, reflecting Afolayan’s commitment to technical excellence in filmmaking.
Expanding Global Influence
This collaboration highlights Afolayan’s expanding influence beyond Nigeria, building on the international reception of previous projects such as Aníkúlápó.
Born in 1974, Afolayan is the son of late filmmaker Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan. He studied Economics at the University of Lagos before obtaining a diploma in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy.
Through KAP Group, he oversees industry infrastructure such as the KAP Film & Television Academy and the KAP Film Village & Resort, both designed to train talent and support large-scale productions.
New Nollywood Leadership
Afolayan is recognised as a leading figure in the “New Nollywood” movement, known for high-budget, technically refined, and culturally grounded films. His breakthrough feature, The Figurine (Araromire), won multiple honours including Best Picture at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, while October 1, Phone Swap, Citation, and Mokalik solidified his reputation for blending entertainment with social commentary.
His most recent fantasy epic, Aníkúlápó, achieved global reach on streaming platforms, further cementing his position as a filmmaker with international appeal.
The new SOPA partnership signals a bold step toward pan-African storytelling, merging cultural heritage with modern cinematic techniques to capture audiences worldwide.
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