The Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA) hosted the 'SOPA Pitch & Connect' event on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Sèmè City center to advance the Beninese audiovisual sector. This initiative aims to provide new funding and training opportunities for local creators. During the proceedings, Sinatou Saka, administratrice déléguée de la SOPA and directrice de la SRTB, emphasized the necessity of domestic narrative control. "Si nous ne racontons pas nos propres histoires, d’autres le feront à notre place," Saka stated. The event brought together various industry professionals to address regional production needs and strengthen the domestic media landscape. Organizers designed the program to equip participants with the technical skills and financial resources required to produce high-quality audiovisual content within Benin.
The 'SOPA Pitch & Connect' event served as a central hub for networking and strategic planning, held specifically at the Sèmè City center on Friday, October 30, 2026. By gathering stakeholders in this dedicated space, the SOPA sought to bridge the gap between creative vision and industrial execution. This gathering allowed creators to present their projects to potential partners and investors, fostering a collaborative environment essential for the growth of the local market.
Strategic Vision for Local Storytelling
Bénin TV Alafia has initiated the writing stage for a new series titled 'Les Héritiers du Vodun'. This project consists of 20 episodes, with each episode scheduled for a duration of 26 minutes. As part of the ongoing development for Bénin TV Alafia, the series represents a significant commitment to expanding the local television landscape through structured long-form storytelling.
Collaboration between the SOPA and the KAP Film & Television Academy of Nigeria resulted in the launch of the 'KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp'. This training program focused on professional development for emerging creators in the region. By partnering with the KAP Film & Television Academy of Nigeria, the SOPA aimed to facilitate a cross-border exchange of expertise and industry standards.
Participants in this bootcamp included 20 young professionals who completed a 12-week training cycle split between locations in Benin and Nigeria. The practical application of the curriculum led to the production of two short films, titled 'DJÏ' and 'WALÉ'. Throughout the 12-week duration, the 20 young professionals engaged in rigorous technical coursework, ensuring they gained hands-on experience in both the Beninese and Nigerian film environments.
Financial support for the broader audiovisual sector remains a priority for the organization. The SOPA has mobilized 375 million FCFA to assist with the development, promotion, and valorization of various media formats. These funds are allocated to support the creation of films, documentaries, series, and digital content. By mobilizing this 375 million FCFA, the SOPA intends to provide the necessary capital to ensure that projects can move from the conceptual phase to final distribution. This investment covers the entire spectrum of production, including the development, promotion, and valorization of diverse media formats such as films, documentaries, series, and digital content.
