With PhD in Economics at 29, multiple professional certifications and illustrious career as a producer across film, TV and stage, Dr. Sherif Olorunrinu Adekunle has carved a bold path for African cinema on the global stage.
Now 32, he has emerged as one of the youngest delegates heading to MIPCOM Cannes 2025, the world’s largest entertainment content market, where Africa will have its first-ever Creative Africa Content Pavilion (CAPCOP).
For Sherif Adekunle, who is attending MIPCOM Cannes in October after being awarded a delegate badge, the occasion is indeed historic. For the first time, Africa is having its own pavilion at Cannes and he’s not only one of the first Nigerian delegates, but also one of the youngest, representing a generation of young African creatives with global ambitions.
Adekunle’s journey began in academia, where he earned a PhD in Economics from the prestigious Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. Alongside his doctoral research, he obtained certifications in banking, finance, accounting, project management, real estate, customer relations, and computer systems.
His passion for storytelling led him into the world of media. Having trained at Royal Arts Academy (2018), Ebonylife Creative Academy (2021) and Kunle Afolayan Production Academy (2022), the multi-talented economist further sharpened his skills through programmes like Oge Obasi Producing Masterclass (2019) and Creative Economy Practice Producing Residency (2025).
As a film/TV producer, Adekunle has worked as Line Producer on titles such as The Bride Price (nominated for 2023 AMVCA’s Best Indigenous Film), Samaritan, AKITI, Gbese, Mother, Dusty Dreams, Hey Stranger, and Trapped amongst others.
On stage, he produced Dear Applicant, which premiered in the UK at Peckham Fringe and European Premiere at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, showing his commitment to taking African stories across borders and mediums.
Earlier in 2025, Adekunle was among the only 12 people selected globally for the International Sales and Distribution Executive Programme (ISDE), organized by NIFS and Trino Motion Pictures. The 3-month programme featured facilitators from around the world, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the global film and TV distribution space.
“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, it is about ensuring indie filmmaking and African storytelling find their rightful place on the global stage,” he noted.
After MIPCOM, Adekunle plans to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival (December 2025) and American Film Market (AFM), continuing his mission of spotlighting independent African cinema at the world’s biggest platforms.
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