The 32-year-old will represent Nigeria at the first Creative Africa Content Pavilion at the global entertainment market in Cannes this October.
Nigerian Producer Sherif Adekunle Joins Historic MIPCOM Delegation
Sherif Olorunrinu Adekunle, a Nigerian academic and film producer, will join other delegates heading to MIPCOM Cannes 2025, the world’s largest entertainment content market, where Africa will host its first Creative Africa Content Pavilion (CAPCOP).
At 32, Adekunle is among the youngest Nigerian delegates selected for the October event. The PhD holder in Economics, who has worked across film, television, and stage productions, described the opportunity as a milestone for independent African filmmakers.
“I represent the aspirations and dreams of many young African creatives. To be at Cannes the year Africa finally has its pavilion is bigger than me,” he said. “It is about ensuring indie filmmaking and African storytelling find their rightful place on the global stage.”
Adekunle’s path to entertainment began in academia, where he earned his doctorate from Afe Babalola University at 29, alongside multiple certifications in banking, finance, project management, and related fields. His transition into media saw him train at Royal Arts Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and KAP Academy, as well as participate in programs such as the Oge Obasi Producing Masterclass and the Creative Economy Practice Producing Residency.
His credits include line producing on titles such as The Bride Price — an AMVCA nominee for Best Indigenous Film in 2023 — Samaritan, Gbese, Mother, and Trapped. On stage, he produced Dear Applicant, which debuted in the UK at the Peckham Fringe before its European premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2025.
Earlier this year, Adekunle was one of only 12 global participants in the International Sales and Distribution Executive Programme organized by NIFS and Trino Motion Pictures. The program, which concluded in August, awarded him a delegate badge for the upcoming Cannes event.
Following MIPCOM, he plans to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival in December and the American Film Market, further advancing his efforts to spotlight independent African stories on global platforms.