Creative Development with IFC

Featured Episode

S5E3: Defending More Than Goals: Rüdiger’s Drive to Uplift Through Sport

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, professional footballer Antonio Rüdiger shares how his upbringing, values, and career shaped a deep commitment to leadership and social change. From combating racism to winning major championships and starting his own foundation in Sierra Leone, Rüdiger reflects on the transformative power of sports and his vision for a more equitable future.

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Seasons & Episodes

Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1

March 22, 2025

S5E2: Mithali Raj and the Rise of Women's Sports in India 

February 27, 2025

S5E1: Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy & Change with Jason Wright

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Episode cover

S4E8: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Literature, Feminism, and Universality

S4E7: Nadia Nadim: Advancing Equality through Sports, Medicine, and Education

S4E6: Kwesi Botchway: Creating Art, Creating Community

S4E5: Beyond the Surface: Exploring Ocean Conservation with Craig Leeson

April 25, 2024

S4E4: A Voyage Through Strings: The Musical Universe of Ablaye Cissoko

April 2, 2024

S4E3: Wally Badarou on his Fusion Legacy and Copyright Advocacy

Mar 19, 2024

S4E2: Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration

Mar 04, 2024

S4E1: Voice for Change: Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human Rights

Inna is a multi-talented artist. She has made a mark not only in the world of music, but also as a powerful advocate for women's rights and climate change.

Oct 17, 2023

S3E7: Inna Modja: The Artist and the Activist

Makhtar Diop is joined by multi-talented artist and activist Inna Modja for a captivating discussion on music, advocacy, and the role of creativity in shaping a better world.

IFC's Makhtar Diop engages in an enlightening conversation with Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. They explore the intersection of business, culture and community, spotlighting Mahindra's popular artistic initiatives like the Mahindra Blues Festival and the Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards.

Sep 26, 2023

S3E6: Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community

Makhtar Diop engages in an enlightening conversation with Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group.

Aug 08, 2023

S3E5: Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity

Makhtar Diop engages in a captivating conversation with legendary South African guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jonathan Butler.

Jul 11, 2023

S3E4: Mohamed « Mamane » Moustapha : l’humour, un catalyseur du changement

Dans cet épisode, Makhtar Diop reçoit Mohamed Moustafa, mieux connu sous le nom de Mamane. L’humoriste et entrepreneur créatif partage sa passion pour l'Afrique, ses défis et son avenir plein d’espoir.

June 5, 2023

S3E3: Lewis Pugh: A Deep Dive into the Ocean Crisis

A thought provoking conversation with Lewis Pugh, a renowned endurance swimmer and UNEP Patron of the Oceans

May 25, 2023

S3E2: Dian Sastrowardoyo: Shaping Stories and Shattering Stereotypes

Makthar Diop and Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo discuss the intersections of philosophy, cinema, finance, and gender

May 11, 2023

S3E1: Victor Wooten: Taking Notes from Nature

Makhtar Diop and award-winning bassist Victor Wootn discuss nature and music, leadership, and lessons from technology.

Feb 16,2023

S2E7: Marcus Miller: A Legend of Jazz, and UNESCO Artist for Peace

Join IFC's Makhtar Diop and the legendary bassist as they discuss the relevance of his music to Black History Month.

Jan 26, 2023

S2E6: Nduduzo Makhathini: An Instrumental Healer

IFC's Makhtar Diop and South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini engage in a conversation on music, history, and culture.

Jan 10, 2023

S2E5: Neila Tazi: L’art et la culture, les leviers du changement

Dans cet épisode de Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop reçoit Neila Tazi, entrepreneure marocaine, parlementaire, fervente défenseure des arts et de la culture et fondatrice du Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde.

Dec 14, 2022

S2E4: Dia Mirza: Celebrated Actor and Eco-Warrior

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks to celebrated Indian actor Dia Mirza.

Nov 29, 2022

S2E3: Pretty Yende: Taking the Opera World by Storm

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop sits down with operatic soprano sensation Pretty Yende.

Nov 15, 2022

S2E2: Edouard Mendy: Saving goals and setting new ones

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop talks to renowned Senegalese musician, activist, and former Minister of Tourism, Youssou N’Dour. They discuss N’Dour’s award-winning international career, the relationship between music, sports, and culture, and the infrastructure and systems needed for the creative industry in Africa to better support artists.

Oct 27, 2022

S2E1: Vidya Balan: Changing Stereotypes in Bollywood

IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and trailblazing Indian actress Vidya Balan discuss the power of cinema to inspire young women.

Jun 16, 2022

S1E8: Alex Rendell: Learning to love (the environment)

In this episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and Thai actor, singer, and environmental activist Alex Rendell discuss the importance of youth education in protecting the world's natural environments, what can be done to mitigate marine plastic pollution, and how learning based solutions can be applied across the globe.

Jun 2, 2022

S1E7: Youssou N’Dour: Music without Borders

May 19, 2022

S1E6: Idris Elba: Food for Thought

In this episode of Creative Development, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Idris Elba ― actor, producer, humanitarian and UN Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Together, they discuss the importance of agricultural investment in Africa and the plight of smallholder farmers.

Feb 10, 2022

S1E5: eL Seed: Changing Perceptions through Art

In this episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks to French-Tunisian artist eL Seed about his unique public art pieces in “calligraffiti” ― a blend of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti.

Jan 27, 2022

S1E4: Sauti Sol: Amping up Africa’s Music Scene

FC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Sauti Sol, one of Kenya’s most well-known afro-pop groups, to discuss the evolution of music education and copyrights in Africa, music as storytelling, and how artists can document and share the complexity of their sounds with the world.

Jan 14, 2022

S1E3: Selly Raby Kane: Designing the Future

IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks with Senegalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane about how artists can help design the future. They also discuss how Kane’s international experience and exposure to diverse forms of art inform her work today, and how artists can create ecosystems to support other artists.

Dec 21, 2021

S1E2: Baaba Maal: A Voice for Change

IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks with world-renowned Senegalese musician Baaba Maal about how music can help raise awareness of a changing climate, give voice to the issues that matter to people, and bring people together to make change happen.

Dec 2, 2021

S1E1: Don Cheadle on the Power of Art for Change

In our inaugural episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with filmmaker, actor, and climate justice activist Don Cheadle to talk about how art and storytelling can raise awareness of a changing climate and inspire people to live their lives differently.

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