Adetoro Makinde

Adetoro Makinde is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and industry advocate whose career bridges independent and studio-led productions. A first-generation Nigerian-American, she brings a vital perspective shaped by her commitment to equity, access, and impact in storytelling. As Founder of Backdoor Films and its social impact arm, Hyphenate Africa, Adetoro has written, directed, and produced multiple Sundance-premiered projects and impact-driven films (WHOA, In Time, The Tale and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind to name a few).

Her upcoming projects include THE AMERICAN CAN, an epic social justice and climate narrative biopic, and SUSTAIN, a feature documentary following Grammy winner Montell Jordan’s journey through prostate cancer, faith, and purpose. Named a “Producer to Watch” by IMDbPro, her recent honors include the 2024 Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color and the 2022 Women’s Fund from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Fellowships include Film Independent | Project Involve, Facebook SEEN Filmmaker, the Blackhouse Foundation Multicultural Producers Lab, Made in NY, Kodak Emerging Filmmaker and grants from Ford Foundation, IFP | NYSCA, and HBO Corporate and Social Responsibility.

An artivist, thought leader and educator, Adetoro holds a B.A. from Georgetown University, studied Authentic Leadership and Mindful Education, and earned a Certificate of Leadership Excellence in Management Development from Harvard University. She is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Women Independent Producers, former Chair of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Film Fatales, and former Program Director of the USC School of Cinematic Arts | Netflix Grow Creative Program.