Exploring AI: Africa's First Feature Film 'MAKEMATION' Premieres in Lago

As it gets ready for its eagerly awaited worldwide premiere in Lagos, Nigeria this Easter, Makemation—the first African feature film with an artificial intelligence theme—is about to make history.

An international teaser showing at the 2024 Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a private stakeholders' viewing in Kenya have already brought this ground-breaking project international notice.

Prior to the Global Inclusivity and AI Africa Conference, Innovation Week 2024 will include an exclusive screening at the U.S. Consul General's home in Lagos.

After its statewide release on April 18, 2025, Nigerian viewers will be the first to see its full cinematic debut. In May 2025, it will be rolled out internationally throughout other African nations, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Makemation is a four-quadrant family drama that uniquely combines pop culture, research, and artificial intelligence into a high-tension, inspirational, and humorous masterpiece. It features an unusual and exciting mix of Nollywood's biggest stars, tech industry experts, public officials, and up-and-coming talents from the social media space. The coming-of-age movie shows how young Africans are using cutting-edge technology to address some of the most serious issues facing the continent while taking viewers on an emotional, thought-provoking, and humorous trip. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the world-renowned AI for Development expert and thought leader who developed and produced Makemation, says, "With this film, we invite the world to see the intersection of Nigeria's creative and digital economies through our ambitions and traditions – and co-create the best of AI tools that will serve the interest of humanity." The young, multiple award-winning filmmaker Michael "AMA PSALMIST" Akinrogunde is the film's director.

Makemation, which was filmed in a variety of breathtaking settings, including recently constructed sets in rural, riverine communities, some of Lagos' most upscale neighborhoods, and previously undiscovered areas, is notable for its superb narrative, unique soundtrack, eye-catching production design, humor, and profoundly thought-provoking themes. 

It’s a culturally fit movie created to captivate audiences of all ages, ethnic groups and religions, combining entertainment with education in an unprecedented way.

As Makemation prepares for cinemas worldwide, audiences are invited not just to watch but to immerse themselves in a cinematic experience that will redefine Africa’s future through art and technology.

Produced by Rise Interactive Studios & Rise Networks, two visionary sister organizations dedicated to showcasing Africa’s innovation potential, the film sends a clear message: It’s tomorrow already here in Africa, and Nigeria’s youth will not be left behind in the technological transformation reshaping the world.

Under the direction of Moses Babatope, the quintessential movie entrepreneur, Nile Entertainment is the sole distributor of Makemation. When it opens in theaters around the world, don't simply watch it with your loved ones, coworkers, and friends; instead, cling to the teachings and hilarity, participate in the discussion on makemation.com, and follow @makemationfilm on all social media channels.