The African film landscape has been revolutionised with the release of “Makemation”, the continent’s first-ever AI-themed feature film. This innovative movie produced by Rise Interactive Studios underscores cinematic triumph and captures a cultural milestone, redefining how technology and storytelling converge in a learning environment situation. Every twist will be unfolded precisely on Good Friday when the flicks community can catch the release at a theatre close to them.

Over the weekend – as the main ambassador of driving innovation in his city – the Governor of Lagos Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu via his X tweeted the heads up for all the Gen Zers who perhaps might get a few jolts of inspiration should they head out to catch the feature just around the time the Lent fasting will be closing for the year.

Maybe viewing empowered women like the pop music video icons Shaffy Bello and Yvonne Jegede take on roles on-screen, live in a futuristic world manufactured by artificial intelligence algorithms although directed by humans mastering filmmaking would impress. Where many possibilities abound for their kind, and so, therefore, they must take charge.

Could that be the take-home message after Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s astounding marketing pitch, which opened with: I am pleased to announce the release of Africa’s first Tech/AI-themed feature film, “Makemation,” which will be in cinemas across Nigeria starting Easter Weekend, April 18, 2025.

Easter weekend, as the governor puts it, will be Good Friday for Christians just emerging from 40 days of immersing themselves in deep meditation and aspirations for something new. From the optics, there can be nothing more different than mixing up programming codes to make a pilot that collaborates with machines to solve problems.

Enough of boy loves girl, evil step mothers and fight for family property cliche storylines. Finally, a movie that is tech-themed. I am so intrigued about it. —Online Review by Damilola Made on X; March 10 2025

The film is set in a near-futuristic Africa, where artificial intelligence is both a boon and a challenge to society. It tells the compelling story of a group of visionary leaders and tech innovators, with women prominently at the helm, as they navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation around the walls of the most prestigious tech institute in the country because of its 7-figure fees, according to the synopsis.

In doing so, Makemation breaks away from conventional narratives, offering front-row seats to female empowerment in a field often dominated by men.

Trying to reach

A movie designed to inspire audiences across the continent, from the bright-eyed Gen Z tech enthusiast in Uyo, Southern Nigeria, to the ambitious hybrid workspace professional in Kigali, Rwanda.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s parting words to everyone reading his tweet on Sunday, 9 March 2025, is that we have consistently prioritised the growth of our creative industry and believe that fostering creativity and innovation is crucial for our state’s development.

By supporting initiatives like this, he said, for emphasis, we aim to promote our talented filmmakers and artists while showcasing technology’s immense potential in storytelling.

Together, we are building a vibrant creative ecosystem that entertains, drives economic growth, and positions Lagos as a leading hub for the arts in Africa.

The ideating

With the groundwork for excellence already in motion, what had to happen next was for Michael “AMA Psalmist” Akinrogunde to lay the blocks. This 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner, as a filmmaker, has his cores in directing, writing, producing and executive producing.

His Makemation approach features real-life actors in the shining-smooth and, at the same time beautifully colourful AI landscape manned by humans to help them live better.

Most times in the rigid atmosphere of a film set, the director working on ideas often find themselves restricted by environmental factors while trying to depict the main ideas of a story but AMA Psalmist, as he is known across his social media handles, was able to work around an equal place for women in the Good Friday-bound movie.

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The filmmaker’s reply to the governor described one who has had honour given to him for directing this revolutionary film! April 18th, cinemas!  

In Michael Akinrogunde’s Makemation, a near-futuristic Africa, artificial intelligence is both a boon and a challenge to society in unfolding before everyone’s eyes. Who will have the answers to the myriads of issues in this world of robots exhibiting their own will and over if the machine stays a tool and not be a conscious entity with its feelings?

The cast members are a mix of generations together pulling their variety of audiences. Apart from Bello, who plays a visionary AI specialist determined to use technology to solve Africa’s challenges, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), a veteran of Nigerian cinema, steps into the role of a conflicted policymaker wrestling with the ethical dilemmas of AI in governance.

Alongside these household names are rising stars whose performances add depth and nuance to the narrative, making the film a true ensemble masterpiece.

Perhaps what would make the theatre premiere in six weeks most significant is its bold statement on inclusion. By giving women leading roles as tech experts, policymakers, tutors and change-makers, the film sends a powerful message to young girls across Africa: the future of technology is incomplete without you.

This intentional focus on representation challenges societal norms and offers a new lens through which the world can view African stories. One prominent Makemation cast member wielding a banner for this category is the female actress Idara Peniel-Ekaidem.

She is an actress who appeared in the 2025 film as her first feature listing ever. In the presentation, she mirrors a generation of young people using technology to solve Africa’s biggest challenges. She is one of the cast members the film uses to, maybe, promote the adoption of new technologies and to drive behavioural change.

What has Peniel said about Makemation?

Peniel has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the movie. She has attended events for Makemation, including a Global Media Parley with Governor Babajide Sanwoolu on Sunday, as she tweeted on her way there.

The film she is featured in was shot in Nigeria. It is scheduled to be released in cinemas nationwide in April 2025 and in the US, UK, and Canada in May 2025, so the audience now only has to wait and see.

As audiences from Lagos to Kigali and beyond embrace this cinematic landmark, the legacy of Makemation becomes ever clearer. It’s not just about showcasing Africa’s tech potential; it’s about reclaiming the narrative and putting African voices at the forefront of global storytelling.

With its release set for next month, the future of African cinema—and indeed its tech-driven imagination—has never been brighter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OySP_oEYr-M