On Sunday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, unveiled Makemation, Africa’s first feature film centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The film, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, is set to premiere in Lagos on Friday, April 18.
At the event in Marina, Sanwo-Olu commended the producer and the cast, stating his government’s commitment to collaborating with creatives to shape the future of Lagos’ entertainment and creative industries. He emphasized that the state is focused on enhancing infrastructure to support the growth of these sectors.
“This production showcases the power of collaboration. We need more partnerships like this. The government is here to help you succeed,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Makemation, which explores themes like STEM education, financial literacy, digital skills, and gender equality, stars prominent actors including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, and Ibrahim Chatta. Akerele-Ogunsiji highlighted the film’s exploration of AI’s role in shaping the future and its potential to drive the fourth industrial revolution.
“We must move beyond just consuming innovations to creating our own. This film is about building a future where everyone can succeed,” she added.
Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, shared that in the past six years, the government has trained almost 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking and other creative fields through partnerships with institutions like EbonyLife Academy and AMA Creative Academy.
Benson-Awoyinka also noted Lagos’ position as a leader in digital innovation, referencing a strategic visit to San Francisco to foster global tech partnerships.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Film Corporation’s Managing Director, Ali Nuhu, praised the Governor’s support and emphasized the media’s role in raising awareness about the project. Microsoft’s Olatomiwa Williams stressed the importance of educating young Nigerians on responsible AI usage.
Makemation combines elements of Nollywood, AI technology, and pop culture to tell a high-stakes, comedic story, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage through AI.
Advertisement
