The Lagos State government has announced the upcoming release of Makemation, Africa’s first feature film focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, which is set to hit cinemas across Nigeria on April 18, 2025, just in time for Easter Weekend.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement on Sunday, calling the film a milestone for Africa’s creative industry. He expressed pride in the film’s unique theme, which centers around the role of youth, especially girls, in leveraging AI and technology to solve critical problems faced by the continent.
Makemation is a coming-of-age drama that follows the life of a young girl from a low-income Lagos community. Despite facing numerous challenges, she uses her intelligence, resilience, and access to cutting-edge technology to help her community. The film blends emotional depth with humor and optimism, highlighting how technological innovation can turn pervasive issues like poverty into solvable challenges.
In his statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the creative industry. “We have consistently prioritized the growth of our creative industry and believe fostering creativity and innovation is key to our state’s development,” he said. “By supporting initiatives like this, we aim to promote our talented filmmakers and artists while showcasing technology’s immense potential in storytelling.”
The film stars some of Nollywood’s finest actors, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu. It explores the intersection between human experience and AI, providing a platform for African cinema to tackle contemporary global themes with a distinctly local perspective.
Makemation is seen as more than just a film; it is an initiative aimed at showcasing the growing potential of African filmmakers and positioning Lagos as a leading creative hub on the continent. The state government believes that the film will contribute significantly to both the entertainment and tech industries, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Through this initiative, Lagos continues to position itself at the forefront of African cultural and technological evolution, setting the stage for more innovative projects that bridge the gap between the creative and tech industries.
