Toyosi Akerele-Oguniji, a human development expert turned filmmaker, is celebrating the debut of Makemation, Africa’s first feature film focused on artificial intelligence.
Following the film’s unveiling to a star-studded audience at Lagos House in Marina, Toyosi shared her satisfaction with the production, reflecting on the three years spent researching, creating, and editing the project.
In a heartfelt speech, she highlighted her deep commitment to AI, which became the focus of her PhD thesis titled The Role of AI: National and Economic Security.
Toyosi expressed her belief in the transformative power of technology, noting how AI is revolutionising various sectors.
“The future is here,” she said, stressing that AI’s role should elevate humanity rather than replace traditional filmmaking’s creative process.
Makemation merges generative AI with live action, exploring AI’s potential to improve the human condition.
Toyosi envisions the film as a platform to inspire young people in Nigeria and Africa, opening their minds to the vast possibilities of technology.
She also revealed plans for six episodes of Makemation to follow the film’s release.
Starring prominent Nollywood actors such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, Makemation focuses on the intersection of real life and AI, particularly in how technology helps solve societal problems.
The film also touches on themes such as STEM education, digital literacy, gender equality, and technology accessibility.
Toyosi shared that production of Makemation began in June 2022, with principal photography taking place in 2023.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Toyosi and the cast for their efforts and offered his support for collaborating on initiatives that promote and enhance the state’s creative industry.
The film is already receiving international recognition, premiering an exclusive teaser at the 2024 Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, a private screening for stakeholders will take place in Kenya before the nationwide premiere on April 18, 2025.
The film will also be toured across Nigerian secondary and tertiary schools to inspire the next generation.
