In a groundbreaking moment for African cinema, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled Makemation, Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence-powered feature film, setting the stage for a revolution in Nollywood.
The high-profile event at the Lagos Statehouse Marina brought together industry heavyweights from both the film and tech worlds, signaling a bold leap into the future of storytelling.
Produced by renowned human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Makemation is more than just a movie—it’s a fusion of AI, social impact, and entertainment. The film explores cutting-edge themes like STEM education, financial literacy, digital skills, and gender equality, challenging young Nigerians to transition from tech consumers to innovators.
Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged his administration’s full support for transformative ideas that drive Lagos’ creative economy. “We are not just making films; we are shaping the future of African storytelling with technology,” he declared.
The film’s all-star cast, featuring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, brings a powerful narrative to life, blending pop culture with AI-driven storytelling.
Akerele-Ogunsiji underscored Makemation‘s mission, revealing that the film showcases young Nigerians building real-life innovations, including AI-powered bras that detect breast cancer. “This is beyond entertainment; it’s a movement. Success isn’t reserved for a select few. We must create, not just consume,” she stated.
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reinforced the government’s investment in creatives, highlighting the training of nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation, and digital arts.
Tech industry leaders also weighed in. Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, called for urgent investment in responsible AI education, while Livespot360’s Oluwadamilare Art Alade emphasized AI’s potential in preserving African culture.
With Nigeria emerging as a global force in digital innovation and entertainment, Makemation is poised to spark new conversations about AI’s role in Nollywood, creative storytelling, and Africa’s place in the tech-driven future.
Set for an Easter weekend premiere on April 18, this AI-powered cinematic experience is not just a film—it’s the dawn of a new era for Nollywood.
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