Youth Film Platform launches FUPI Academy Program (Kenya)

FUPI Academy program will provide a hands-on film-making learning experience that builds participants’ exposure to the wide variety of technical and professional skills they will need 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.

Film Fupi Academy is an initiative that works towards ameliorating skills deficiency in the film industry. This 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;
• writing and directing to cinematography; composing, production design and editing.

Goals

• The Film Fupi Academy program will support the impact goal of contributing to a more sustainable film industry specifically Kenya by:
  • Identifying, empowering, and investing in diverse young aspiring Kenyan filmmakers and with a demonstrated interest in storytelling and filmmaking with a submission of previous works in either one of the following areas: scripting, character development, treatment/scriptwriting, wardrobe, camera work, sound, lighting and editing, and effects makeup.
  • Developing  and piloting  a holistic approach to film training  that combines technical and entrepreneurship skills in filmmaking and makeup for film.
  • Identifying crucial elements that will help solve the stumbling blocks that filmmakers face while trying to enterprise their skills in the film industry.
  • Providing training, coaching, professional networking and exposure to the most promising young filmmakers in Kenya.

Program Details

• The program will provide participants with an opportunity to benchmark with some of the best film makers 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 film making and production techniques to ensure participants acquire 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 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.

Duration

• The program is expected to run for 12 months from November 2023 – November 2024

Eligibility Criteria

• The program is open to young aspiring filmmakers and make-up artists
• Participants will be selected through a competitive, merit-based, and intentionally inclusive application process. 
• 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 costs
• The program will work with an initial cohort of 30 young aspiring filmmakers
• Applicants must:
  • Have good Computer Skills and access to internet.
  • Commit to participating fully in all the activities of the 1 year program.
  • Commit to taking care of their own transport to the training venue in Eastlands.

For more information, visit Youth Film Platform.