The recently-concluded Kenya Innovation Week was a game-changer for Africa’s creative industries. It wasn’t just another tech conference, this was a glimpse into the future of filmmaking, where A.I isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural expression and innovation.
At the heart of the discussions was the screening of Africa’s first film on AI, ‘Makemation’. Produced by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and created by, as she put it, ‘Gen-Z,’ this film symbolises the continent’s emerging AI-driven creative landscape. A very passionate Toyosi reiterated the importance of films in breaking down information and how this film was made by the youth, for the youth. The panel discussions revealed a deep understanding of AI’s role in filmmaking.
Our very own Reuben Odanga put it best when he said that without art, science is naked. AI isn’t about replacing human creativity but enhancing it, offering tools that can streamline production, reduce costs, and open new avenues for storytelling. One of the most exciting prospects discussed was AI’s potential for inclusivity.
Elly Savatias’s insights about real-time sign language interpretation in movies for people who are hearing-impaired or hard of hearing blew my mind.
Imagine a world where films actually speak to everyone, literally and figuratively!
The discussions didn’t shy away from the critical challenges either. The need for AI protocols in data protection was a hot topic, and Wendy Kuyoh hit the nail on the head – fear of AI often stems from misunderstanding. 
The panellists made it clear that AI should amplify, not dilute, cultural narratives. Reuben Odanga emphasised that art is more than just a mirror – it’s prophetic, collaborative, and capable of presenting hyper-local stories that can compete globally. The goal is to create a platform where local stories can shine. By the end of the session, the consensus was clear – the AI revolution is here, and it’s not going anywhere.
For Kenyan filmmakers and creative professionals, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt AI but how to harness it effectively. From research and sound design to scripting and production, it offers a treasure trove of tools to make the creative process more efficient and accessible.
To quote a line from the movie Makemation,
If what you see now is all you are seeing, then you are very blind; and if you are only hearing what you want to hear, then you are very deaf.”
The future of African filmmaking lies in understanding and strategically implementing AI technologies that respect cultural nuances and amplify human creativity. At the end of the day, Kenya Innovation Week, and particularly this session, wasn’t just a conference – it was a blueprint for how Africa can lead the charge in the fourth industrial revolution, not by mimicking global trends but by creating unique, locally-rooted technological solutions that make filmmaking cheaper, faster, and more authentic.
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