Nigerian filmmakers and creative-industry stakeholders are urging the federal government to support the adoption of artificial intelligence in Nollywood [1].
The push for government intervention comes as the industry seeks to modernize production workflows and expand the global reach of Nigerian cinema. By integrating AI, filmmakers aim to lower production costs and enhance storytelling capabilities within one of the world's most prolific film hubs.
This appeal follows the completion of a project described by the filmmakers as the world’s first AI-powered Yoruba-language feature film [1]. The creators said the project serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating how AI can be utilized to preserve indigenous languages while utilizing modern technology [2].
Stakeholders said the federal government must create an enabling environment to foster this transition. This includes providing the necessary infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI tools are accessible to a wider range of creators across the country [1].
The filmmakers said that without official support, the industry risks falling behind global trends in cinema production. They said that government backing would allow Nollywood to leverage AI for more efficient post-production and visual effects [2].
The movement highlights a growing intersection between traditional African storytelling and emerging technologies. By focusing on the Yoruba language, the filmmakers demonstrated that AI can be adapted for local contexts rather than relying solely on Western-centric models [1].
Industry leaders said the goal is to ensure that the transition to AI-driven production is inclusive and sustainable for all creative professionals in Nigeria [2].
“Filmmakers are urging the federal government to support the adoption of artificial intelligence in Nollywood.”
The push for AI integration in Nollywood represents a strategic attempt to blend cultural preservation with technological scalability. By utilizing AI for indigenous language films, Nigerian creators are attempting to bypass traditional production bottlenecks and create a blueprint for other regional film industries in Africa to modernize without losing their linguistic identity.
