Moses Babatope, the visionary Founder and CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group, has recently been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Toronto International Film Festival’s newest venture—TIFF: The Market.
This new initiative is slated to launch in 2026, running from September 10 to 16. It promises to bring together the most influential players from the global film and television industries, creating an unprecedented platform for international collaboration and discovery.
TIFF: The Market is designed to be a vibrant hub for industry professionals who seek to connect, find emerging talent, and broker major deals that cross borders and cultures.
For Babatope, this opportunity represents a significant step forward in his lifelong mission to globalize African cinema and bring the continent’s rich stories to a worldwide audience.
Speaking on the appointment, Babatope reflected on the purpose behind Nile Media Entertainment Group. “Nile Media Entertainment Group was created to build a complete ecosystem for African storytelling,” he said.
“Not just to make great films, but to ensure they travel, find audiences, and build lasting value. The new TIFF: The Market offers the kind of intentional, global space we need, where African stories can meet opportunity.”
He further highlighted the importance of platforms like TIFF that emphasize equity and broad, visionary thinking.
“TIFF’s intentionality matters because it means our creators won’t have to shrink to fit old moulds,” Babatope explained.
“Here, a Nollywood epic can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood, not as niche, but as art that demands its rightful spotlight.”
Babatope will be joining a prestigious group of global thought leaders on the advisory committee.
This includes industry heavyweights like Michael Barker of Sony Pictures Classics, Arianna Bocco from MUBI, Janet Brown representing BBC Studios, Diana Bustamante Escobar, Jeongin Hong of Megabox, Laura Michalchyshyn from Blue Ant Studios, and Vicki Dobbs Beck of Lucasfilm and ILM.
Together, this group brings a wealth of experience and influence from all corners of the media world.
They will collaborate alongside previously announced committee members such as Niv Fichman, Vincent Maraval, Jérôme Paillard, Noah Segal, Monique Simard, Roeg Sutherland, and Kerry Swanson.
Collectively, these leaders form a powerful cross-section of some of the most influential minds in global screen media today, each bringing unique insights into the rapidly evolving industry landscape.
TIFF: The Market has also secured robust backing from government sources, with the Canadian Federal Government committing a significant investment of C$23 million (approximately US$16.5 million) to support the project’s development.
This level of funding underscores the importance of the initiative and its potential to reshape the international screen content ecosystem.
Cameron Bailey, TIFF’s CEO, spoke candidly about the ambition behind this initiative.
“We’re designing TIFF: The Market to meet the fast-changing needs of the global screen industries,” he said.
“We plan to grow the power of screen storytellers by bringing dealmakers, talent, and audiences together in a new, much bigger way.”
Adding to this, Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer, emphasized the collective expertise involved in building the market.
“As the momentum continues to build for TIFF: The Market’s launch, we have gathered together experts across all parts of the screen industries,” Lee noted.
“Their extensive global knowledge and experience will be invaluable in helping us shape and deliver a best-in-class event that will support the industry of today and for the future.”
Babatope took to Instagram to share the news with his followers and supporters in a heartfelt post. “This is a big W and the message is clear,” he wrote.
“The world is hungry for new voices, big bold stories, and powerful visionaries. It’s Africa to the world as we celebrate CNIC @mosesbabatope who joins @tiff_net Toronto International Film Festival’s Global Advisory Committee with top execs from Sony Pictures, LucasFilm, BBC Studios, MUBI and more, shaping the future of storytelling across film, TV, digital and beyond.”
He continued, “Oh, and the newly revamped TIFF Market? Backed by Canada’s Federal Government. This is a win for the continent, for every filmmaker, dreamer, and storyteller who dared to believe we belonged on the world’s biggest stages.”
With this landmark appointment, Babatope not only marks a personal achievement but also signals a larger victory for Nollywood and the broader African film community.
His presence on such a prominent global advisory panel strengthens Africa’s growing footprint in international media and affirms the continent’s rising influence in shaping the future of screen storytelling worldwide.
