With around 3,500 films produced each year, West Africa is the most prolific region on the continent. However, professional training remains a strategic issue for the development and structuring of the audiovisual industry.
To address this challenge, Éric M’Boua and Dedy Bilamba, co-founders of EM&MB, launched a comprehensive special effects training program called "Afro VFX" in 2022.
“The initial ambition is to make Côte d'Ivoire the African hub for VFX. We want to develop an ecosystem of studios, talent, schools, and production companies specializing in special effects. Our approach aims to bring this ecosystem into line with major international standards in order to increase the quality of local productions and be able to meet international demand. Today, the demand for VFX productions is real and considerable…" said Dedy Bilamba in an interview with our media outlet.
Today, in partnership with Orange Côte d'Ivoire, Dedy Bilamba and Eric M'Boua are launching a second edition of the Afro VFX program to train a new generation of African digital artists in the basics of cinematic special effects.
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the season was officially launched, focusing on three fundamental pillars: training young talent, producing high-quality films, and supporting the development of the industry in Africa.
30 selected young people will have the opportunity to train in special effects (VFX) for a period of 4 months and join local companies and partner studios for a practical internship.
As a reminder, three young people selected during the first season were named winners of the "Sony Talent League by THU 2022" competition, thanks to a 3D animated series entitled "Djossi Heroes," which highlights informal independent workers with incredible powers.
Read also: Interview with Dedy Bilamba and Eric M’Boua, creators of AFRO VFX