Lagos has taken a bold step in merging technology and creativity as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially unveiled Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence titled Makemation. This groundbreaking film, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, represents a major milestone in the intersection of Nollywood and cutting-edge technology. The unveiling took place in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday and has already ignited global conversations about the future of AI-powered filmmaking in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu commended the creative team behind the project, applauding their innovative approach to filmmaking and assuring the entertainment industry of his administration’s continuous support. The governor emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, private investors and tech experts to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. He reaffirmed that his government remains committed to investing in infrastructure that will enable the entertainment industry to thrive. The unveiling of Makemation is a statement to the world that Lagos is not just the commercial capital of Nigeria but a hub for creative and technological excellence.
The highly anticipated film is set to make its cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday April 18. With an impressive cast featuring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan and Ali Nuhu, Makemation is expected to redefine the possibilities of AI-driven storytelling. The film explores the integration of AI with everyday human experiences and aims to inspire a new generation of African innovators.
Akerele-Ogunsiji explained that the film goes beyond entertainment and serves as an educational tool designed to promote STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy and gender equality. She highlighted that one of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is how young characters in the film are seen designing bras that detect breast cancer, emphasizing the need for Africa to move from being a consumer of innovation to becoming a creator of groundbreaking solutions. She further stated that African films must begin to showcase indigenous technological advancements and local innovations rather than always relying on foreign narratives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the necessity of strong partnerships between government agencies, creative institutions and technology hubs to build a globally competitive entertainment industry. He described Nollywood as one of the most innovative industries on the continent and encouraged filmmakers to take full advantage of government initiatives aimed at fostering creativity. He assured filmmakers that his administration is ready to provide resources that will enable them to tell compelling stories that can compete on a global scale.
Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, stated that the state has already trained nearly 20000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation and other creative fields through partnerships with major institutions like EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy and Delyork Academy. She explained that Lagos is actively working toward building a workforce that is prepared to lead in the global creative economy. She also disclosed that the government recently engaged with Silicon Valley-based tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami to establish strategic partnerships aimed at driving digital transformation in the state’s entertainment sector.
She revealed that financial grants have been awarded to local filmmakers to support high-quality productions that can compete on the global stage. She emphasized that storytelling is a powerful tool for nation-building and urged more creatives to focus on producing content that amplifies Africa’s innovation and technological advancements.
Tech industry leaders have also shown keen interest in Makemation and its potential to shape the future of AI in Africa’s film industry. Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, stressed the need for young Nigerians to be equipped with the skills necessary for responsible AI development and implementation. She called for stronger collaborations between government, private organizations and academic institutions to ensure that AI education reaches a broader audience. She noted that Makemation is an inspiring project that could catalyze the growth of AI-driven solutions in various industries.
Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, emphasized the potential of AI to preserve African cultural heritage and transform storytelling. He stated that with the right technological tools, Nollywood can begin to create high-budget, globally competitive films that showcase Africa’s rich history and innovative potential.
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and a cast member of Makemation, applauded the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support of the creative sector. He urged media outlets to intensify publicity efforts around the film and help drive conversations about the integration of AI in storytelling. He expressed excitement about being part of a project that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.
Makemation is a four-quadrant family drama that blends pop culture, research and AI in an engaging and high-tension storyline. The film combines elements of drama, comedy and suspense to create a captivating cinematic experience that appeals to audiences across different demographics. It features a unique mix of Nollywood stars, technology experts, public officials and social media influencers, making it a one-of-a-kind production in African cinema.
The unveiling of Makemation is more than just a film launch. It signals the beginning of a new era for the Nigerian entertainment industry and reinforces Lagos’ reputation as a global hub for creativity and digital innovation. As the film prepares for its global premiere this Easter, industry stakeholders are optimistic that it will set a new standard for AI-driven filmmaking in Africa.
The success of Makemation could position Lagos as the leading destination for AI-integrated cinema and attract foreign investments into Nigeria’s creative sector. Nollywood’s evolution into AI-driven storytelling is a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability. It also sends a strong message that Africa is ready to take a leadership role in digital transformation and innovation-driven storytelling.
As the global film industry continues to evolve, Makemation stands as a revolutionary project that proves Africa is not just a consumer of advanced technology but a creator of world-class innovations. The film’s launch is a call to action for more African filmmakers to embrace digital transformation and push the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling.
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