Africa's creative industry is taking a bold leap into the future as the Digital Creator Africa Academy for Microdrama (DCAA) partners with Singapore-based artificial intelligence video company Video Rebirth to launch what is being described as the continent's first industrial AI filmmaking programme.
Landmark Announcement at Cannes
The groundbreaking partnership was officially unveiled on May 15, 2026, at the Global South Pavilion during the prestigious Marché du Film at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. The announcement drew the attention of filmmakers, media professionals, investors, and international delegates gathered at one of the world's most influential film industry events.
At the centre of the collaboration is BACH, Video Rebirth's advanced AI-powered video generation engine, which is regarded as one of the most sophisticated industrial-grade AI filmmaking tools currently available globally. Through the agreement, Video Rebirth will provide platform credits to 100 students enrolled in DCAA's AI Filmmaking stream beginning in May 2026.
First Institutional Commitment in Africa
The partnership represents Video Rebirth's first major institutional commitment in Africa and positions DCAA as the first African academy to officially integrate the BACH platform into its curriculum. Students in the programme will use the AI engine for assessed production work, including trailers, short films, and cinematic sequences, marking a major shift in how African filmmakers are trained and equipped for the future of storytelling.
DCAA co-founder Oma Areh emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond merely giving students access to software. She stated that the academy was created to train the creators who will shape Africa's emerging AI film industry and not merely observe developments from the sidelines. She added that integrating BACH into the curriculum ensures that the first generation of professionally certified African AI filmmakers will build their craft using world-class infrastructure capable of competing internationally.
Production Data and Adaptation
The partnership also aims to generate valuable production data as students create projects across different genres, markets, and storytelling environments using the platform. This will allow both organisations to better understand how AI filmmaking tools can be adapted for African narratives and production realities.
The academy's AI Filmmaking stream is specifically designed for experienced professionals rather than newcomers. Members of the inaugural cohort already possess impressive credentials, with many having worked on productions distributed through global platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video, alongside other major African streaming services. The intensive three-week programme will now integrate BACH as a central production tool, allowing participants to gain practical experience using cutting-edge AI technology capable of producing high-quality cinematic visuals with advanced frame coherence and realistic motion rendering.
BACH Engine and Funding
Video Rebirth's BACH engine is powered by proprietary Physics Native Attention (PNA) architecture, a technology designed to deliver realistic and commercially viable AI-generated video productions. The company recently strengthened its position in the global AI market after securing an $80 million funding round in March 2026. Investors include AMD Ventures and Hyundai Motor Group, as the company prepares for broader international expansion ahead of its full commercial launch.
DCAA co-founder Elijah Affi described the collaboration as a defining moment for Africa's creative economy, noting that the continent is no longer waiting for validation from the rest of the world before embracing technological innovation in filmmaking. According to him, DCAA was established with the vision of ensuring that Africa becomes recognised globally as a leading force in AI-native film culture. He explained that giving African creators access to industrial-grade AI production tools would significantly redefine the possibilities of African cinema and storytelling.
Global Impact
Speaking on behalf of Video Rebirth, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Dan Kong described Africa as one of the most exciting frontiers for AI-powered filmmaking. He said the continent's rich storytelling heritage, combined with AI technology, could unlock opportunities for African stories to reach global audiences at an unprecedented scale. He noted that the collaboration is not simply about introducing a new tool to the market, but about investing in the creative foundation for a new generation of filmmakers who will shape the future of global cinema.
