Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani recently unveiled Opalaba, a Yoruba-language satirical micro-web series that uses AI-assisted visualisation, animation and post-production tools. The filmmaker announced that principal production is expected to begin before the end of August 2026. The teaser for the project was produced using a combination of conventional filming techniques and AI-assisted workflows, according to a statement released alongside the Instagram announcement.
The development adds one more notable example to a wider trend that has become more visible across Nollywood, where it is no longer limited to isolated experiments or TV commercials.
One of the clearest recent examples is Niyi Akinmolayan’s Colours of Fire, following its post theatrical release on Netflix, where viewers have reacted strongly to the film’s use of AI, across visual effects, and scene generation. The discussion around the film is one of the industry’s most prominent public conversations about the use of generative tools in film production.
AI-assisted imagery has also been identified in the prologue sequence of James Omokwe’s 2025 historical fantasy film Osamede, although with limited conversations about the use of generative visuals due to its theatrical release only distribution so far.
Earlier in 2025, Michael Akinrogunde’s Makemation was marketed as a feature film centred on artificial intelligence and technology, becoming one of the first mainstream Nigerian productions to place AI at the centre of its narrative. The film was produced by Rise Interactive Studios and received a nationwide theatrical release in April 2025.
Outside theatrical and streaming releases, AI-generated elements can be seen within Nigeria’s factory-like YouTube film ecosystem, particularly in soundtrack production, voice synthesis, poster design and other production assets used by filmmakers working on their rapid-release projects.
The industry’s growing interest in AI has also led to the emergence of dedicated exhibition platforms.
Founded by Obinna Okerekeocha, Naija AI Film Festival (NAIFF) is returning for its second edition in September 2026 in Lagos. Organisers have positioned the festival as Nigeria’s first event dedicated exclusively to films created or enhanced using AI-powered technologies, with categories for AI-generated and AI-assisted short films, documentaries and experimental works. The 2026 edition is scheduled to include screenings, panel discussions and networking sessions focused on the use of AI in African storytelling.
The festival’s return reflects increasing institutional interest in AI-driven filmmaking within Nigeria’s creative sector. Most importantly, Tunde Kelani notes in his Instagram post that AI serves as another production department rather than a replacement for imagination, craftsmanship or culture.
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