Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwulu introduced Macemation, the first feature film on the continent driven by artificial intelligence.
Produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-ogunsiji, the feature film is scheduled to make its theatrical debut in Lagos on April 18th.
Speaking at an event held at the Marina, Sanwoloo praised the film's creative team and highlighted the state's commitment to fostering innovation in the entertainment sector.
“The production highlights the power of collaboration,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We need more partnerships like this. Our role as government is for creatives to enable and create great platforms.”
The governor revised the administration's continued investment in infrastructure to support Lagos' creative economy, positioning the city as a hub of digital and artistic talent.
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Film producer Akerle-ogunsiji said it was an exploration of the impact of AI on society by touching on topics of STEM education, financial literacy and gender equality.
“Viewers will see young people designing AI-driven bras that can detect breast cancer,” Akerele-Gunsiji said. “We must start building our own innovations beyond being just a consumer of technology.”
Makemation is Africa's first feature film to highlight the burgeoning impacts of young people, especially girls, and shows how to leverage artificial intelligence and innovation to tackle some of the continent's most pressing challenges. Despite the difficulties, she is wonderful, determined and unstoppable. The film blends entertainment with the universal theme of hope and highlights how innovation can serve as a catalyst for change.
The cast of famous Nollywood actors Richard Mofe Damiho, Tony Umej, Shafi Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Aforayan and Ali Nuf examine the intersection of human experience and artificial intelligence.
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Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, highlighted the government's continued efforts to support the creative industry.
For the past six years, the state has trained nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation and other creative fields through partnerships with institutions such as Ebony Life Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy.
“A visit to San Francisco to engage with high-tech entrepreneur Gazi Shami was a strategic step towards fostering a strong digital partnership,” Benson Wawinka said. “Lagos has established itself as a leader in digital innovation.”
She also highlighted the state's investment in local filmmakers through grants aimed at producing world-class films with global appeal.
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Arineuf, managing director of Nigerian Film Corporation and a member of the cast of McCaimation, praised Sunwol's support for Nollywood and called for greater media engagement to amplify the film's impact.
Meanwhile, Oratomiwa Williams, country manager at Microsoft in Nigeria, emphasized the urgency to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills. Oluwadamilare Art Alade, co-founder of LivesPot360, highlights the possibilities of AI to preserve and promote Africa's cultural heritage, calling it a bold step in blending technology and storytelling.
Called “Four Quarter Family Drama,” the film blends pop culture, research and artificial intelligence into a high-energy comedy story that seeks to entertain while sparking debate about the future of AI in Africa.
