DCAA partners with Video Rebirth to train 100 African AI filmmakers

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Digital Creator Africa Academy (DCAA) has announced a strategic partnership with Video Rebirth, creators of the BACH AI engine, to deliver full scholarships for 100 African filmmakers under its AI Filmmaking stream, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s emerging AI-driven creator economy.

The announcement was made on 15 May 2026 at the WIFT Africa Global South Pavilion, Palais des Festivals in Cannes, during the Marché du Film, in the presence of filmmakers, media representatives and international partners.

Under the partnership, Video Rebirth has selected DCAA as its first institutional partner in Africa, integrating its BACH AI engine into DCAA’s certified microdrama and vertical storytelling curriculum. The initiative will provide participating creators with access to industrial-grade AI production tools, supported by two embedded BACH facilitators throughout the programme.

Speaking at the announcement, Co-Founder of DCAA, Ifeoma “Oma” Areh, said the collaboration reflects a shift in global filmmaking, where technology, culture and audience behaviour are converging to redefine content creation. She noted that the partnership positions African creators to access advanced AI production systems while developing culturally grounded storytelling.

Co-Founder of DCAA, Elijah Affi, added that African creators are increasingly demonstrating global competitiveness, citing early DCAA cohorts that have already secured international production commissions. He said the partnership strengthens DCAA’s mission to equip creators with the tools needed to lead in AI-native filmmaking.

Video Rebirth Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Dan Kong, described Africa as a key frontier for AI-powered filmmaking, stating that the partnership represents an investment in the continent’s creative future and its ability to scale storytelling for global audiences.

DCAA said the collaboration forms part of a broader series of institutional partnerships ahead of the Africa Creative Market flagship activation scheduled for July 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, where it serves as programme partner and vertical screen industry convener.

The Digital Creator Africa Academy for Microdrama is the continent’s first certified institution focused on vertical storytelling, creator development and digital screen entrepreneurship. It operates in partnership with Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and convenes VEX (The Vertical Exchange), Africa’s first vertical content market.

Video Rebirth is a Singapore-headquartered AI video technology company developing the BACH series of AI video generation engines, backed by AMD Ventures and Hyundai Motor Group.