Obi Emelonye’s “Safari” Bridges Nations, Filmmaker Advocates for AI inclusion in Nollywood

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Obi Emelonye is making waves both on and off the set as he completes his latest feature, “Safari,” while championing the integration of artificial intelligence in the film industry.

At the recent Nigeria Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), Emelonye shared insights into his filmmaking process and his vision for the future of Nollywood. The director expressed his desire for Nigeria to develop advanced technological tools such as the “Volume technology,” a tool he believes could transform the industry.

“Imagine if we had this technology right here in Nigeria,” Emelonye said. “We could have shot all the Kenyan safari scenes for ‘Safari’ without leaving the country. It’s like an advanced version of green screen technology, but so much more realistic. We could recreate the Kenyan environment as a backdrop, significantly reducing production costs and time.”

This forward-thinking approach is characteristic of Emelonye, who recently used the AI program Midjourney to create storyboards for his film “Out of Breath.” He described the experience as “a revelation,” highlighting the potential for AI to enhance the creative process rather than replace human ingenuity.

While advocating for technological advancements, Emelonye also addressed concerns about AI potentially replacing filmmakers. “Filmmaking requires effort, talent, dedication, luck, contacts, creativity, and business acumen,” he stated, suggesting that the human element remains crucial.

Emelonye’s latest project, “Safari,” exemplifies his innovative approach and cross-cultural storytelling. The film, which recently completed principal photography, tells the story of a Nigerian senator’s wife seeking solace in Kenya amidst personal and political turmoil.

Starring Osas Ighodaro, Ali Nuhu, and Anthony Monjaro, among others, “Safari” is a collaborative effort between Nollywood and the Kenya Tourism Board. The project showcases the stunning landscapes of both countries, serving as a visual celebration of African beauty.

The production of “Safari” benefited from the recently announced Providus Bank loan scheme for Nollywood, an initiative aimed at boosting the quality and global reach of Nigerian cinema.

However, Emelonye also highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian filmmakers, particularly in the realm of intellectual property protection. He recounted a personal experience with his film “Last Flight to Abuja,” in 2019 where unauthorized distribution led to a protracted legal battle.

“I had to fly from the UK twice for court hearings, only to be awarded 500,000 naira in compensation just few weeks ago,” Emelonye said. “It’s crucial for filmmakers to be vigilant about protecting their work, especially as our industry continues to grow.”

Despite these challenges, Emelonye remains optimistic about the future of Nigerian cinema. His career, spanning over two decades, has been marked by numerous innovations, including directing “Heart 2 Heart” via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pioneering spirit earned him an honorary award from the British Urban Film Festival in December 2022.

As “Safari” moves into post-production, industry watchers are keen to see how Emelonye’s blend of traditional storytelling and innovative technology will manifest on screen. With his forward-thinking approach and commitment to cross-cultural narratives, Emelonye continues to position Nigerian film at the forefront of global cinema innovation.