Lagos State unveils Africa’s first AI feature film
Written by KUR on 10/03/2025
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, unveiled Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, titled Makemation, on Sunday.
Speaking at the unveiling in Marina, Sanwo-Olu said the AI film, produced by human development expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, will make its cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday, April 18.
He praised the producer and cast, assuring creatives of his willingness to collaborate on transformative ideas that project and develop the state’s creative industry.
Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji said the film explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality. She explained that the film also explores AI’s transformative power and its impact on the fourth industrial revolution.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the government’s efforts to empower creatives over the past six years such as training nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through strategic partnerships.
She noted that the government has provided grants to filmmakers to support high-quality productions capable of competing internationally.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, commended Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers.
Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills, advocating for collaborations between tech hubs, government, schools, and private organisations to expand AI education.
Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, highlighted AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage.
Makemation features Nollywood stars, tech experts, public officials, and social media talents in an unconventional mix.
The four-quadrant family drama blends pop culture, research, and AI into an engaging, high-tension, and comedic masterpiece.
