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African youth, particularly girls, are leveraging artificial intelligence and technology to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. Makemation captures this shift in a coming-of-age drama that highlights innovation, resilience, and the changing face of problem-solving in Africa.
The film follows a brilliant and determined young girl living in rural Lagos, Nigeria, whose life is filled with struggles, twists, and setbacks, but refuses to be held back by her circumstances. With intelligence and resilience, she pushes through adversity, showing that innovation can be a path out of poverty.
Designed as a four-quadrant film, Makemation combines entertainment with science and artificial intelligence, bringing these elements together in a way that hopes to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The cast includes Nollywood veterans Shaffy Bello and Richard Mofe Damijo who also serve as co-executive producers. Starring alongside them are young actors like Tomi Ojo, Michael Dappa, Osas Okonyon, Sapphire Ekeng, Adeoluwa Akintoba, Kem Ajieh-Ikechukwu, Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, Chimezie Imo, Munachi Okpara, Idara Peniel-Ekaidem, Jenni Frank, Josh Jinadu, Chuks Joseph, and Funmbi Toye. Other names include Chioma Chukwuka, Ibrahim Chatta, Jide Kosoko, Tony Umez, Yvonne Jegede, Toyin Afolayan, Elvina Ibru, and Ali Nuhu.
Director Michael “AMA Psalmist” Akinrogunde leads the project, with production taking place across various locations in Lagos, from riverine communities to urban settings. Akinrogunde is known for directing AMVCA-winning short Penance. His filmography also includes films like Once Upon a Honeymoon, Loving Amanda, The Ghost and the Tout Too, and Ricordi. In recognition of his contributions to Nollywood, he won The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Film of the Year in 2024. The script, co-written by Nengi Diri and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, benefited from editing by Mannie Oiseomaye and Hauwa Lawal.
The film’s creator and producer, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, has stated that Makemation is more than just entertainment—it aims to drive conversations around Africa’s role in the digital revolution and how AI can shape the future for younger generations. Akerele-Ogunsiji has been a key player in areas of education technology and social entrepreneurship, as well as a policy advisor in education technology and human capital growth.
Beyond its cinematic appeal, Makemation reflects real-life efforts to equip young Africans with digital skills. According to Tech Cabal, tech companies like Microsoft have committed resources to training Nigerian youth in artificial intelligence, with a $1 million pledge to empower one million people with AI and cloud skills.
Makemation has already gained international attention with early screenings at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Kenya Innovation Week, and a private viewing at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Lagos.
Following its Nigerian debut in cinemas on April 18, Makemation will be released across Africa, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East in May.
WKMUp is a media partner of Makemation.
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