
SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES AFRICA’S FIRST AI-POWERED FEATURE FILM (PICTURES)
On Sunday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu debuted Makemation, Africa’s first artificial intelligence feature film.
The AI movie, which was created by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, a specialist in human development, will be released in theaters in Lagos on Friday, April 18, according to Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the debut in Marina.
While praising the producer and the cast, he assured the creatives that he was willing to work with them on ideas that would alter and advance the state’s creative industry.
In order to support the growth of the creative industry, Sanwo-Olu reiterated the government’s commitment to funding necessary infrastructure.
“This production highlights the power of collaboration. We need more partnerships like this. Our role is to enable and create platforms for you to excel.
“This is the most innovative industry. See this government as a partner in shaping the future we all desire,” he said.
Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji said the film explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality.
She pointed out that the film Makemation, which stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and reality.
According to her, the movie also looks at AI’s potential for transformation and how it could affect the fourth industrial revolution.
“Viewers will see young people designing bras that detect breast cancer. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start building our own.
“Nigerian films should showcase our indigenous innovations. This film is for the future. Success isn’t reserved for a select few,” she said.
Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasized the government’s initiatives to support artists throughout the previous six years.
Through strategic partnerships, she added, the ministry has taught around 20,000 young Nigerians in creative disciplines such as filmmaking and content production.
She stated that organizations like Delyork Academy, AMA Creative Academy, Gidi Creatives, and EbonyLife Academy had worked together on these projects.
The industry’s future depends on technology, she said, with Lagos establishing itself as a pioneer in digital innovation.
“Our visit to San Francisco to engage with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami was a strategic step toward fostering strong digital partnerships.
“We aim to build a globally competitive workforce ready to dominate the creative economy,” she added.
She mentioned that in order to support top-notch projects that can compete globally, the government has given subsidies to filmmakers.
“By investing in local storytelling, we ensure our narratives reach global audiences while creating jobs within the industry,” she said.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, commended Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers.
“As part of the cast, I am excited about this project. The governor’s support is commendable.
“We now need the media’s backing to create buzz around this innovation,” he said.
Olatomiwa Williams, the country manager for Microsoft, emphasized the importance of teaching young Nigerians responsible AI capabilities.
In order to increase AI education, she promoted partnerships between tech hubs, the government, educational institutions, and private organizations.
“This initiative is inspiring. With government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI use,” she said.
Oluwadamilare Art Alade, co-founder of Livespot360, emphasized the importance of AI in conserving cultural heritage.
Nollywood celebrities, tech specialists, governmental servants, and social media gurus come together in an unusual way in Makemation.
The four-quadrant family drama is a captivating, suspenseful, and humorous masterpiece that combines pop culture, research, and artificial intelligence.