…I dedicated three years of my life making the film—Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji
By Benjamin Njoku
Toyosi Akerele-Oguniji, a human development expert-turned-filmmaker, has expressed her satisfaction with her team’s efforts in producing the first African feature film on Artificial Intelligence, titled “Makemation.”
Sharing her experience with NollyNow shortly after the unveiling of the film to a star-studded audience at Lagos House in Marina, last Sunday night, Toyosi said she dedicated three years of her life to researching, producing, and editing the ambitious film.
She said, “The future is here and you can see the way technology is radically transforming the world. AI is a career path I chose a few years ago while pursuing my PhD degree. My thesis was on ‘The Role of AI: National and Economic Security’. I am very passionate about the way AI is revolutionizing everything.
“The film is a convergence of generative AI and live action. It’s also important to take into consideration AI that works for the interest of humanity. We have this belief that the role of AI is to elevate humanity and not to eliminate the role of creativity and traditional filmmaking in this process..
“This is just the beginning. We are going to shoot six episodes of ‘Makemation’. My dream is to ensure that this film is going to be a definitive, creative material that will open the minds of young people in Nigeria and Africa at large to the possibilities of technology.
“I dedicated my life for the past three years to producing, researching, and working on the music, picture and editing. Nigerian films should showcase our indigenous innovations. This film is for the future. Success isn’t reserved for a select few”.
Starring top Nollywood actors such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, “Makemation” explores the intersection of real life and AI, showcasing young people using technology to solve problems. The film, according to Toyosi, goes beyond entertainment and delves into critical themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, gender equality, and accessible technology. The film also explores AI’s transformative power and its impact on the fourth industrial revolution. Toyosi said she started producing “Makemation” with her team in June 2022, with principal photography commencing in 2023.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,commended the producer and cast of the film, assuring creatives of his willingness to collaborate on transformative ideas that project and develop the state’s creative industry.
The film is already enjoying global attention with an international teaser screening at the 2024 Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while a private stakeholders’ viewing in Kenya is due to premiere nationwide on the 18th of April, 2025. It will be followed by a tour of tertiary and secondary schools across the country.
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