BIFIF Academy

The BIFIF Talent Development Programme (BTDP), widely recognized as BIFIF ACADEMY, is a pioneering initiative designed to empower young African creatives with the essential skills and exposure needed to excel in the film industry.BIFIF Academy , the flagship initiative of the BIFIF Festival dedicated to human capital development, and Gbagi Communications Ltd, the leader in Nigerian film production with a global presence, is launching the BIFIF ACADEMY.  

Under the umbrella of BTDP, and in collaboration with the MyBadagry MyFuture International  Foundation (MBMFIF) projects “Meet The Mentors Africa” (MTMA) and “Ahna Workshop,” we have successfully trained over 5,000 budding film practitioners.
Since its inception in November 2015, BIFIF ACADEMY has been BIFIF’s flagship capacity-building initiative in partnership with MBMFIF. Each year, the academy identifies and nurtures the most promising talents, linking at least five top students from each cohort with prestigious indigenous and international production and film companies for internships and further training. Our partners include esteemed entities like Fatherland, IBST, and Display Universal Studios.

In 2024, our largest cohort yet will comprise 1,500 students from Nigeria and various African countries. To support the film festival and achieve our ambitious goal of empowering 15,000 young African filmmakers by 2025, we are actively seeking funding from international organizations. These funds will be utilized to bring in international facilitators and acquire advanced training equipment.

This innovative incubation program, supported by BIFIF partners, aims to equip young talents in West Africa Community with the skills needed to excel in the screen industries.  The Bifif Academy is an innovative response to the needs of aspiring filmmakers, producers, screenwriters and content producers for film and television. This programme offers a comprehensive educational curriculum, mentoring opportunities, and access to a thriving creative community in Nigeria and beyond.  The programme places emphasis on the inclusion of young female talents, ensuring increased diversity and representation.

Our comprehensive training program covers a wide array of focus areas, including:

Mobile Phone Filmmaking Training : This course will lead you through the basics of how to shoot with a smartphone through instructor-led demonstrations and exercises.

Audio/Visual Techniques: Mastering the essentials of sound and video recording.

Cinematography: Specializing in shooting for short films, social media content, and full-length movies.

Editing and Lighting Effects: Enhancing visual storytelling with advanced editing and lighting techniques.

Special Effects & Makeup: Creating realistic and imaginative visual effects and character makeup.

Production Design: Crafting the visual environment and aesthetic of a film.

Drone Operations: Utilizing drone technology for innovative filming perspectives.

Script Writing: Developing compelling narratives and screenplays.

Lighting for Camera: Understanding and applying effective lighting techniques for film.

Sound Recording: Capturing high-quality audio for film productions.

VFX: Implementing visual effects to enhance film storytelling.

Prop Making Workshop:

This workshop will provide participants with an in-depth exploration of the techniques and materials utilized by prop departments in the realms of theatre, film, and television.

Prop makers employ a diverse array of materials, tools, and techniques to create a wide range of items, from intricate period pieces to modern props. Skills covered in this workshop include mold-making, sculpture, life-casting, prosthetics, puppetry, armor crafting, woodworking, upholstery, and restoration. Upon completion of the training, participants will have crafted a variety of their own props that they can take home with them.

Location Scouting and Management: Identifying and managing filming locations.
Our current esteemed partners include the Lagos State Government, IBST, Basement Entertainment, and Gbagi Communications Ltd. These trainings are conducted in partnership with the “Meet The Mentors Africa” initiative by MyBadagry MyFuture Foundation.

Through BTDP, we are committed to fostering the next generation of African filmmakers, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to shine on both local and international stages.