Toyosi Akerele-Oguniji, a former human development expert who has transitioned into the world of filmmaking, is celebrating the release of Africa’s first feature film centered around artificial intelligence. Titled “Makemation,” the film made its debut in front of a prestigious audience at Lagos House in Marina last Sunday. Toyosi expressed her satisfaction with the project, emphasizing the three years of dedication that went into researching, creating, and editing the film.
In her speech, Toyosi highlighted her deep-rooted passion for AI, which was the focal point of her PhD thesis entitled “The Role of AI: National and Economic Security.” She firmly believes in the transformative power of technology, particularly AI, and its ability to revolutionize various industries. She stressed the importance of AI in elevating humanity rather than replacing the creative process in traditional filmmaking.
“Makemation” blends generative AI with live action, exploring the potential of AI to enhance the human experience. Toyosi envisions the film as a platform to inspire the youth in Nigeria and Africa, exposing them to the endless possibilities of technology. She also revealed plans for six episodes of “Makemation” to be released following the film’s premiere.
Featuring renowned Nollywood actors such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, “Makemation” delves into the intersection of real life and AI, particularly focusing on how technology can address societal issues. The film addresses crucial themes such as STEM education, digital literacy, gender equality, and technology accessibility.
Production for “Makemation” commenced in June 2022, with principal photography taking place in 2023. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Toyosi and the cast for their efforts and expressed his willingness to collaborate on initiatives that promote and enhance the creative industry in the state. The film has already garnered international recognition, with an exclusive teaser premiering at the 2024 Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, a private screening for stakeholders is scheduled to take place in Kenya before the nationwide premiere on April 18, 2025. The film will also be showcased in Nigerian secondary and tertiary schools to inspire the next generation of innovators and creators.
