The MAKEMATION reviews keep pouring in!
On 18th April 2025, Nollywood experienced a shift. MAKEMATION, Africa’s first feature film on AI, hit cinemas. Distributed by Nile Entertainment and produced by Rise Interactive Studios, it sparked a true Nollywood renaissance.
In its opening weekend, MAKEMATION amassed ₦32.9 million after its first four days. Veteran filmmakers would consider these modest numbers, but for rookie filmmaker Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the film’s Creator and Executive Producer, it was a launchpad.
Across Nigeria—students, teachers, parents, cultural leaders, influencers, and industry insiders—the buzz has been unanimous: MAKEMATION reviews are glowing. For Toyosi and her team at Rise Interactive Studios and Rise Networks, that praise is priceless. Yet nothing matters more than the audience’s reaction.
“In today’s challenging world and especially for numerous youths like me, Makemation stands out as an inspiring Nigerian film that offers hope,” Hafsoh Wuraola Molumo, a recent graduate Heritage Global Academy, wrote.
“It’s an emotional and enlightening film that urges society to rethink the way it supports and views her youths. Thank you, Toyosi for this laudable initiative! You’ve not only touched my life but lives of millions of youths out there. I am inspired and more than ever before, infused with stronger hope that I will succeed!”
MAKEMATION Reviews: Evidence of a Seismic Shift in Storytelling
Toyosi’s gratitude to Nigerians is immense. Hafsoh’s letter is one of many notes, messages, emails and texts she has received from people who walked in expecting a run-of-the-mill Nollywood film but walked out transformed.
Read Also: MAKEMATION EP Thanks Bariga with Food Drive
The story may be fictional, but the journey was personal. This is why it felt so real to everyone and why the MAKEMATION reviews have been deep.
And the numbers back it up too!
MAKEMATION is still in cinemas nationwide. But don’t hold off for too long—things are about to change!
Read Hafsoh’s full review note below:
“Makemation – A Story of Dreams, Technology, and Hope
In today’s challenging world and especially for numerous youths like me, Makemation stands out as an inspiring Nigerian film that offers hope. The story revolves around Zara Sodangi, a young girl who escapes poverty and becomes a role model for others including me. The film celebrates the impact of education, innovation, and unwavering determination and resileince. Unique in its theme, Makemation is the first African movie focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), using this groundbreaking subject to show young minds—especially girls, that they can harness their God-given talents and knowledge to tackle real-world issues and challenges. It’s an emotional and enlightening film that urges society to rethink the way it supports and views her youths.
The main character, Zara Sodangi, was a 17-year-old girl who lived in a small and poor community near Lagos, Nigeria. Her family was going through a hard time. Her father was very ill, and her mother was doing everything she could to take care of the family. Despite their struggles, Zara never lost hope. She was hardworking and resilent. She dreamt of a better life, not just for herself but for her entire community.
One day, providence and luck shone on Zara as she was given a life-changing opportunity. She got accepted into Makemation, a top technology institute in Nigeria. That was where her real journey began.
At the Makemation Institute, Zara was introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence. Coming from a remote village with limited knowledge of technology, she initially felt overwhelmed and unsure of her abilities. However, through consistent support from her instructors and her relentless drive, she began to understand AI’s potential. Inspired by the suffering in her village, she created smart solutions using technology. Her projects aimed to help people with basic needs like health, food, and education. With time, Zara became more than a learner; she emerged as a powerful advocate for change.
Hafsoh: “MAKEMATION is Resilience Brought to Life”
One of the most powerful messages in Makemation was the strength of resilience. Zara never gave up, even when she faced tough challenges. She showed that making a difference didn’t require wealth or fame—only a strong heart, a sharp mind, and a desire to succeed and make a difference in other people’s lives. She was genuinely interested in helping her community.
The film also highlighted the value of education. Once Zara was given the opportunity to learn, her life began to transform. Knowledge became the key that opened the door to a better future. The story held deep meaning for youths across Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
Read More: Film as a Channel: MakeMation—When Entertainment Meets Education
Another important theme in the movie was the use of technology. Many people believed technology was hard to understand or only for rich countries. Makemation proved them all wrong as it showed that it could all be acquired and used to help solve basic local problems. Zara used AI to help her community fight poverty, sickness, and lack of education.
The movie showed that technology was not just for money or business—it could make life better and connect people. The film also encouraged more girls to study science and technology. Zara’s story showed that girls could be just as smart, strong, and creative as boys.
The setting of the film played an important part in the story. Zara’s village showed what many poor communities in Nigeria looked like, where people found it hard to meet basic needs and had few chances in life. On the other hand, the Makemation Institute was cozy, modern, and with lots of technological gadgets and new ideas. This difference showed the gap between the rich and the poor. But it also showed that education and new thinking could help close that gap. Zara’s goal was not just to do well for herself, but to use what she learned to help her community.
Hafsoh: “MAKEMATION is Full of Hope”
Makemation was directed by Michael Akinrogunde and produced by Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji for Rise Interactive Studios. It had a mix of Nigerian actors and real tech experts. The film used strong storytelling to share an important social message. It was emotional, educational, and full of hope. [The film] was the kind of movie that made people think, dream, and take action. It is also good for families. Both children and adults alike could enjoy and learn from it.
In conclusion, Makemation was a beautiful and powerful film that shared a strong message of hope. Through Zara Sodangi’s story, we saw that no matter the background where one could come from, if one is educated the right way and possess big dream as well as being armed with desire, grit, resilience, and hope, one’s life could be changed for the better and even impact on others so positively.
The movie showed that education was like a light in the dark and that technology could bring development and progress. It told us to believe in ourselves, help our communities, and use what we have to build a better future for all. Makemation was not just a film—it was a message to the world. It told every young persons that their dreams are real and their voice is worth hearing.
Thank you, Toyosi Akere for this laudable initiative! You’ve not only touched my life but lives of millions of youths out there. I am inspired and more than ever before, infused with stronger hope that I will succeed, In Sha Allah! Because Zara could make it, I could make it better!”
