Makemation
| Makemation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Michael Akinrogunde |
| Written by | |
| Produced by | Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Tolu Obanro |
Production company | Rise Interactive Studios |
| Distributed by | Nile Media Entertainment Group |
Release date |
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Running time | 2 hours 19 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
Makemation is a 2025 Nigerian AI-tech themed family film produced by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji[1] The film was theatrically released on 18 April 2025. It stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, Tomi Ojo, Yvonne Jegede, Tony Umez and Jide Kosoko.[2] The film is Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji's debut production and is described as the first feature film on artificial intelligence in Nigeria[3][4] that tells the story of a brilliant young girl in rural Lagos, Nigeria who uses her tech knowledge to navigate the challenges she and her family face in the world.[5][6]
Following its release, Makemation grossed ₦32.9 million within its first four days of release.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]Makemation is Africa’s first feature film that places artificial intelligence and frontier technologies at the heart of a coming-of-age story delivered with cinematic brilliance and broad emotional appeal. Set in rural Lagos, Nigeria, the film follows the transformative journey of a brilliant but underprivileged young girl whose courage and creativity ignite change in her life and community. Through an inspiring and family-friendly narrative, Makemation balances humour, drama, and heartfelt moments to captivate audiences of all ages. The film explores powerful and timely themes, including girl-child education, access to STEM education and digital skills, renewable energy, youth empowerment, inclusion and diversity, equitable healthcare access driven by local, home-grown innovation and the fast-rising role of young Africans, particularly girls, in leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. With an emphasis on storytelling, visual excellence, and social impact, Makemation champions the boundless potential of youth-led innovation in Africa and beyond. [7][8]
Cast
[edit]- Richard Mofe-Damijo as Chief Abiye Douglas
- Shaffy Bello as Professor Aarin Orazulike
- Tomi Ojo as Zara Sodangi
- Yvonne Jegede as Zanzi Whenu
- Tony Umez as Dr. Layi Jejelaiye
- Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha as Ginika Sodangi
- Jide Kosoko as Dieko Awosika
- Chuks Joseph as Divine Douglas
- Adeoluwa Akintoba as Babajide Gomez
- Ali Nuhu as Football Coach Gyang
- Wumi Toriola as Sidi
Release and distribution
[edit]The film was first premiered at a special viewing hosted at the residence of the US Consul General in Lagos on the 6th of September 2024, then at the 2024 Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in Saudi Arabia and at the Kenya Innovation week in November of 2024.[7] The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted an event to unveil the film on 9 March 2025.[8][9][10]
On 9 April 2025, the film was presented to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the UNDP AI marketplace,[11] and was then released to the general public on 18 April 2024 by Nile Entertainment, who is the distributor. [12]
References
[edit]- ^ Opinion (28 April 2025). "Makemation: A Movie That Promotes Female Tech Adoption". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ a b Aluko, Iyabode Jane (23 April 2025). "AI-Inspired Film 'Makemation' Makes Historic Nigerian Box Office Debut". Voice of Nigeria. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Nwafor (15 March 2025). "Africa's First AI Film, 'Makemation', Berths in Lagos". Vanguard News. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Partner (18 February 2025). "A Nigerian Company Is Releasing Africa's First Feature Film on AI Titled "MAKEMATION".'". TechCabal. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Rise Interactive Studios' Upcoming AI-Themed Film 'Makemation' Sets Sights on Easter Cinema Release - What Kept Me Up". 10 March 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Makemation: Africa's First AI-Themed Feature Film Set to Redefine Nollywood | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "How Makemation Is Powering Africa's Digital Revolution Through Cutting-Edge Technology – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Akhimien, Nosakhale (10 March 2025). "Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches Africa's First AI Feature Film 'Makemation'". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Report, Agency (10 March 2025). "Sanwo-Olu Unveils Africa's First AI Feature Film". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Akintayo, Opeoluwani (10 March 2025). "Lagos Launches Africa's First AI Feature Film". Channels Television. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Baruwa, Olufunke (16 April 2025). "Makemation: Africa's Cinematic Leap Into The Age Of AI". Leadership News. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Bodunde, Deborah (17 February 2025). "Film on AI 'Makemation' Premieres April 18 — Starring RMD, Shaffy Bello". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 30 April 2025.