Nollywood filmmakers adopt AI to preserve African oral histories

Nigerian filmmakers and digital artists are using artificial intelligence tools to create new films and archive disappearing oral histories ^[1].

This shift represents a critical effort to modernize one of the world's largest film industries without erasing the cultural identity of the narratives. By integrating AI, creators aim to expand the visual and narrative possibilities of African cinema while ensuring the stories remain rooted in local authenticity [1, 2].

Among those experimenting with these technologies are filmmakers Obinna Okere-keocha and Malik Afegbua, as well as Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and actress-filmmaker Funke Akindele ^[1]. These artists are leveraging AI to imagine future African narratives and digitally reconstruct traditions that were previously passed down only by word of mouth [1, 2].

The movement focuses on the tension between technological efficiency and the "soul" of storytelling. The goal is to use these tools to tell African stories differently, often with higher production values or imaginative scales, without allowing the software to dictate the cultural essence of the plot [1, 3].

Some projects, such as the movie "Makemation," serve as practical demonstrations of how AI can be applied within the Nollywood ecosystem to enhance visual storytelling ^[2]. These initiatives seek to prevent the loss of ancestral knowledge by transforming oral traditions into permanent digital assets [1, 2].

Funke Akindele said she is not competing but simply wants to tell African stories ^[3]. This sentiment reflects a broader industry trend where technology is viewed as a supportive medium rather than a replacement for human creativity. The integration of AI allows for the exploration of historical settings and futuristic visions that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for many independent Nigerian studios [1, 2].

The adoption of these tools was highlighted in a broadcast on May 8 ^[1].