Shoot the Book! was launched in 2014 by the Civil Society of French-Language Publishers (Société Civile des Editeurs de Langue Française, SCELF) and the Marché du Film, Cannes’ international film market.
By Adedamola Jones Adedayo
Two novels by African authors, Abidemi Sanusi’s Looking for Bono (Nigeria) and Nincemon Fallé’s These Blazing Suns (Côte d’Ivoire), have been selected among the eight titles headed for Cannes 2026 Shoot The Book!, an initiative designed to adapt outstanding literary works to the screen, unfolding through a two-day event.
Looking for Bono, by UK-based Nigerian author Abidemi Sanisi, is a dark comedy navigating celebrity, aid, media frenzy, and corruption. Set in Lagos, it follows Baba, a 55-year-old Lagosian who believes that U2 frontman Bono is the key to resolving the water shortage in his Nigerian community.
Here, a high-stakes circumstance transforms a poor man’s hope for water and love into a critique of power in its diverse manifestations. The book was published in 2020 by Jacaranda Books (UK). Its Cannes selection adds to the growing reputation of Sanusi, whose earlier novel Eyo made the 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize shortlist.
Nincemon Fallé’s These Blazing Suns (originally titled Ces Soleils Ardents) is a coming-of-age story about Iro, a university student in Abidjan, whose father’s death in their native Ivorian village puts his life in chaos, leading to revelations.
Set against the backdrop of a young and vibrant Côte d’Ivoire on the cusp of evolution and expansion, the novel projects a universal narrative that balances the process of chasing one’s dreams with understanding one’s parents. Published in 2024 by JC Lattès as the author’s debut, the novel rides on past waves, such as the Prix Voix d’Afriques and the Prix littéraire de la Vocation, both won in 2024, with its Shoot the Book! selection signalling a next-level stage in traction.
Shoot the Book! was launched in 2014 by the Civil Society of French-Language Publishers (Société Civile des Editeurs de Langue Française, SCELF) and the Marché du Film, Cannes’ international film market. Every year, the event presents a curated selection of books across diverse genres at Cannes, spotlighting the most promising literary titles poised for film adaptation.
It also welcomes international producers seeking stories and insights into the book-to-screen adaptations, as they discover opportunities through key events. Events include Pitches, during which publishers showcase selected books; Rendez-Vous, personalised one-on-one discussions with rights holders; and Masterclass, where experts provide perspectives on standard practices, evolving trends, and major players shaping audiovisual rights.
Cannes Shoot the Book! 2026 will take place on 14th to 15th May, 2026 during the Marché du Film at the Festival de Cannes.