AI-Inspired “Makemation” Film Shows How Educating Girls Can Build a Nation

In every African society, what it means to be a woman is often debated, but who said there’s only one way to be one?

“Makemation” explores this question with an AI-inspired plot that tackles long-held stereotypes with a thoughtful, creative lens.

The age-old belief that “a woman’s place is in the kitchen” is still alive today, even in a world shaped by technological advancement. Many continue to question the value of a girl’s dreams, or consider it strange when women thrive in male-dominated fields. “Makemation” lends its voice to prove that girls, especially African girls — are more than capable of excelling in science and technology, including the world of artificial intelligence.

Directed by Michael Akinrogunde, “Makemation” tells the story of Zara Sodangi (Tomi Ojo), a brilliant teenager from a low-income family. Her father, a welder, struggles with tuberculosis, while her mother sells bean cake to support the home. Despite these challenges, Zara’s intelligence and a stroke of luck earn her a place at the prestigious Makemation School , a life-changing opportunity.

Her standout moment comes during a Hackathon, where she proposes Stemgees, an app designed to encourage girls to enrol in STEM programs and pursue careers in tech. Inspired by her father’s illness, Zara also develops Helchetics, an AI tool that diagnoses diseases — a potential solution to the alarming rate of medical misdiagnosis in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The film mixes comedy, inspiration, and socially relevant storytelling to send a clear message: there is hope, and AI can play a role in shaping that hope. As Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji’s debut production,  and reportedly Nigeria’s first feature film focused on AI — “Makemation” also offers a glimpse into the economic and educational opportunities tech can provide through Zara’s eyes.

On the surface, “Makemation” is an AI-driven story. But beneath it, the film is about girls chasing dreams the world keeps telling them are out of reach. It is about potential — and the power of educating the girl child.

Akinrogunde, known for “Once Upon a Honeymoon” and “The Making of a King”, captures these themes vividly. Ibrahim Chatta plays Zara’s father, who refuses to pay her school fees simply because she is a girl. He believes only the boys deserve an education — that they’ll succeed and “take care of the girls” later. His bitter dialogue, “A woman’s place is in the kitchen. God, why didn’t you give me only boys?”  is chilling and memorable.

Zara’s younger sister even asks, “Why doesn’t Daddy like eating with us?” — a heartbreaking line that shows how deep the bias runs. He regularly dines only with his sons, often referring to the girls as “mere.”

The film also explores how some women reinforce these beliefs. Characters like Sidi (Wumi Toriola) and Shaki ridicule Zara’s mother (Chioma Chukwuka) for sending her daughter to school instead of helping her sell food in the market.

Zara’s journey from a disadvantaged girl with big dreams to a young innovator developing AI solutions is inspiring. Tomi Ojo brings a quiet strength to the role, and her interactions with others feel organic — not forced or overacted. It doesn’t feel like you’re watching a film; it feels like watching someone grow into herself.

Two lines stayed with me long after the film ended: “Tech is the future” and “If all you see is all you see now, then you are blind, because the sound of the future is silent.” They anchor the story’s tech theme powerfully.

One scene particularly struck me — not just for its message but for how personal it felt. Zara quietly tops up her school fees using her kolo (savings box) after her mother gives her what she can. It was a simple but powerful moment that showed her determination to change her situation — a reminder that heaven helps those who help themselves.

But “Makemation” isn’t without its flaws.

While comedian SLK adds humor as a quack doctor treating Zara’s father, I felt uneasy. Tuberculosis is a serious illness, and using it as a comic tool made me wonder if viewers might leave with the wrong message. Some things are too sensitive for laughs — especially when people are still dying from them.

Another part that left me conflicted was the subtle romantic tension between Zara and Dave, her tutor at Makemation. Dave seems at least 25, while Zara is only 17. Though the film ultimately resolves this storyline in a way that made sense, it was still uncomfortable to watch at first. Thankfully, the ending makes it clear that Zara’s future is far more important than any fleeting romance.

The film ends with the line, “Forever, Zara of Bariga to the World!” — a triumphant note of hope. A reminder that dreams can take flight, no matter where you come from. It’s for every girl who’s been told to stay small or shrink her dreams. It’s a film that says: you can — and you should — take the world by storm.

And if “Makemation” doesn’t inspire you to chase your dreams as a girl, ask me for your money back. I’ll be waiting.

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Runtime: 2 hours, 19 minutes

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic release

Director: Michael Akinrogunde

Cast: Tomi Ojo, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Chuks Joseph, Tony Umez, Ali Nuhu, Wumi Toriola, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Yvonne Jegede, Chimezie Imoh, Elvina Ibru, Adeoluwa Akintoba, Chioma Chukwuka, Ibrahim Chatta, amongst others.

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