Multinational consumer goods company, Unilever  has launched “Academy for African Filmmakers (AAF),” an initiative that seeks to equip and elevate African Film industry to global standards.

The initiative, which is in collaboration with MOFILM, is open to young Africans with technical proficiency and passion in film-making between the ages of 16 to 30. It is the first of its kind in Africa and will run in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa in December 2014.

“It is no secret that great talent abounds in this culturally diverse continent (but) we are however yet to reach our full potential,” Unilever’s Marc Engel said.

To this end, AAF will offer an intensive three-day course created and delivered by experts from the film-making industry. The curriculum will cover several aspects of film making theory and practice, with a focus on developing the storytelling skills of the attending students.

Founder and CEO of MOFILM, Jeffrey Merrihue said “Through partnering with Unilever, the AAF will build on this work and give even greater opportunity for African film makers to shine on a local and global stage.”

The Academy is part of the Unilever Foundry, a platform launched to collaborate and experiment with the digital and creative community.

MOFILM on the other hand is a leading content creation community for film makers, photographers and musicians. It is experienced identifying untapped African film making talent in Africa.