Producer / Creative Industrialist
Funmbi Ogunbanwo
Bio
Funmbi Ogunbanwo is a Sundance award-winning producer, entrepreneur and creative business strategist. As co-founder and CEO of Fatherland, she leads a creative powerhouse from Africa, shaping the future of film, television, and digital content.
A qualified Barrister & Solicitor at 20, she traded the courtroom for the dynamic world of film and television, drawn by a deep desire to connect with people through creative storytelling. Her production credits span a diverse portfolio, from feature films to influential campaigns for global brands including Google, Goldman Sachs, Nestlé, PZ Cussons, MTN, Farfetch, and Visa. She was Associate Producer and Project Manager on the feature film ‘Banana Island Ghost,’ which garnered critical acclaim and an AMVCA award nomination for Best Comedy.
She also worked at MultiChoice as a Commissioning Editor, which broadened her corporate experience in film. This role allowed her to refine her content development and production skills, further strengthening her strategic leadership in shaping the future of Africa's creative industry.
As a partner at Fatherland, Funmbi has been instrumental in driving new narratives that shape African storytelling. Under her leadership, the company strives to celebrate and amplify different aspects of African culture and their stories. Funmbi's career is highlighted by several milestones, including producing the first Nigerian short film to win a Sundance Award, “Lizard.” She is also leading Fatherland as the first Nigerian company to co-produce with the internationally acclaimed Element Pictures. This partnership is currently developing its debut feature film. Her work has earned her a BAFTA nomination and positioned her as a key voice in the global conversation surrounding African cinema.
Funmbi is deeply passionate about building and nurturing creative businesses, focusing on helping creative brands in Africa establish strong foundations without compromising their authenticity. She realized the necessity of robust infrastructure for the creative sector's success and began actualizing this vision at 27 with Home Tools, a business aimed at solving everyday problems in African homes through innovative products. Currently, while she leads at Fatherland, she is also helping new creative business projects, from concept stores and cafés to artisanal brands that emphasizes local craftsmanship.
Funmbi’s natural inclination towards business and structure makes her a standout leader in the creative sector. A visionary business leader, Funmbi is deeply invested in Africa's creative economy
to propel it forward as well as nurture home-based talent while developing the local production ecosystem.
As a keynote speaker and female executive in the film industry, Funmbi continues to share her insights on storytelling, the African creative economy, and the business of entertainment.
Achievements
LIZARD
LOVE ME
JEJE
MFS
Co-founder/CEO
Partner
Partner
