Makemation: A Movie’s Bold Journey into World of Technology

As Easter unfolded, Nigeria and the rest of Africa awoke to the birth of an excellent piece of cinematography, one that seamlessly blended art with technology. Makemation, Africa’s first feature film centered on artificial intelligence (AI), directed by Nigerian social entrepreneur and technology education expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, hit the cinemas on April 18, 2025.

Its release marked not just a movie debut, but a great leap in cinema and cultural narrative. This is more than entertainment—it is a powerful and necessary cultural moment. Unlike any Nollywood movie before it, Makemation tells the story of technology and innovation, ambition and bias, and the courageous pursuit of innovation in the face of societal adversity.

At its heart, Makemation follows the journey of a young Nigerian girl who dares to dream beyond the boundaries set by her circumstances. Born into a family where education is seen as a male privilege, she discovers a deep passion for technology and a vision of a better future. Against all odds, she applies for a prestigious tech scholarship—one that is traditionally reserved for students from affluent, elite backgrounds. She then ventures into technology, pursuing an unlikely path.

However, the narrative goes beyond the main character’s personal journey—it speaks to Africa’s collective ambition to embrace AI as a force for empowerment. Her story mirrors the reality of countless young Africans, particularly Nigerians, whose potential are stifled not by their abilities but by societal expectations and systemic barriers.

With the debates about how the future of traditional careers is increasingly being shaped by technology, it is no longer news that we are now in the time when artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. Makemation underscores that it is, in fact, our current reality.

Traditional career paths are evolving, and industries are being transformed by AI’s capabilities. From healthcare and education to agriculture and finance, the integration of AI is no longer optional—it is essential for survival and competitiveness in the 21st century. Medicine, for instance, is already undergoing an explosive shift with the invention of AI-powered imaging, predictive analytics, and personalized treatments. However, for doctors to remain central, they must embrace these tools and understand their implications. The future physician is not just a “disease manager” or caregiver, but a data interpreter, a tech collaborator, and systems thinker. The same applies to law and other fields. 

Without preaching, Makemation encourages this reflection, through the lens of a student building an AI tool, not to compete with expertise, but to empower herself, and others. The film paints a picture of harmony between human expertise and machine efficiency. Yet, as access to quality education, training, and funding remains lopsided toward a privileged few, there is a real risk that the future will be engineered by a narrow demographic. The movie boldly challenges this narrative, emphasizing that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Thus, the movie raises a critical and an urgent question: As AI reshapes industries and redefines what is possible, what does the future hold for the common man? This is not just an illusion, but the story of many. More importantly, it is the story of where we all stand as a society in the explosion of AI advancement.

What makes Makemation special is how it frames AI, not as a cold, robotic threat, but a human story with its emphasis on perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. The protagonist in the movie brings her lived experience into her project, and that makes all the difference. Her ingenuity is a reminder that innovation often springs from necessity and that individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can drive meaningful change.

This message is particularly relevant for young Africans, who represent the continent’s greatest asset and its hope for the future. In a fast-moving world, time is most vital. Young people must seize opportunities, embrace learning, and harness the power of AI to shape their destinies and those of their communities. By integrating AI into traditional fields, Africa can bridge the gap between its rich heritage and a technology-driven future. Makemation serves as a rallying cry, urging Africa’s youth to rise to the occasion and take charge of their futures.

Furthermore, Makemation challenges pervasive myths about AI. It debunks the notion that AI is a momentary trend, emphasizing instead that it is a transformative force here to stay. Although AI systems are often criticized for reinforcing bias, the movie reminds us that society itself runs on unspoken algorithms—gender roles, financial inequality, and educational gatekeeping. These human biases shape who gets access to opportunities long before a machine makes a decision.

AI learns from data. And data is often riddled with historical and present-day biases. If teams building AI tools are not diverse—racially, economically, and gender-wise—then the systems they build will reflect and reinforce the same old patterns of exclusion. While caution is necessary to navigate ethical and social implications, outright rejection of AI is not an option. Africa must be proactive in leveraging this technology to address its unique challenges and unlock its full potential. We must expand access to AI education and careers—particularly for girls, underrepresented communities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because our collective future depends on the diversity of minds shaping it.

As cinema goers et al settle into their seats to witness this historic moment, much more than the entertainment value they will get, they will be drawn into a narrative that challenges perspectives, inspires ambition, and redefines Africa’s place in the global tech narrative. Makemation is more than worth your time—it is necessary viewing. It’s an inspiring account that points out our modern technological anxieties and hopes. For Nigeria, the premiere is more than a cinematic event—it is a clarion call for innovation, progress, and resilience.

If you are a student passionate about breaking limits, a professional wondering how to stay relevant in an ever-changing world, or simply someone curious about what AI means for the current and even next generation, this film is your mirror and roadmap. The brilliance of Makemation is not in its special effects alone, or even its plot twists, but in its truth. A truth we need to reckon with—that the future belongs, not just to those who can afford it, but to those who dare to fight for it.

In a time where AI is moving faster than regulation, education systems, and sometimes societal comprehension, we need stories like Makemation to awaken us and reconnect us to our present-day reality. It’s a film, a warning and a hope. And more than anything, it’s a call to all of us to ensure that the age of AI is not only smart but just, inclusive, and deeply human.