This September, Lagos becomes the epicenter of a new cinematic era as it hosts : NIGERIA’S FIRST-EVER AI FILM FESTIVAL. We caught up with the visionary behind NAIFF, Obinna Okerekeocha, to talk about the pulse of Africa’s AI scene, the future of storytelling, and what surprises the festival has in store.
1. NAIJA is dedicated to spotlighting a new generation of film-makers harnessing the power of AI. What makes it a special festival?
What makes NAIFF truly special is that it’s not just a film festival — it’s a movement. This is the first festival in Africa solely dedicated to AI-powered creativity. We’re spotlighting bold, emerging film-makers who are experimenting with AI tools to create entirely new kinds of stories, visuals, and soundscapes.
NAIFF is where technology meets tradition — we’re fusing African heritage, imagination, and futuristic tools in a way that hasn’t been done before. It’s a celebration of innovation, but it’s also a platform of empowerment — making sure African storytellers don’t just consume these technologies, but master and lead with them.
2. What’s to expect during the main event?
Expect an unforgettable mix of AI-powered film screenings, immersive showcases, and some of the most relevant and timely conversations around ethics, creativity, and technology.
Attendees enjoy:
AI short films and mini-features from African film-makers.
Bold panel sessions like “Code of Creativity: Ethics, AI, and the Future of Imagination.”
Live demos showing how AI tools are used to create films.
Networking with film-makers, tech innovators, and investors.
The NAIFF Awards celebrating standout AI creators.
In short, it’s part film festival, part tech showcase, and part cultural gathering.
3. How’s the AI scene in Africa? Is it growing strong? Are there any leading figures or countries?
Africa’s AI scene is growing at a fascinating pace. While we may not have the same level of funding or infrastructure as Silicon Valley or China, the energy, experimentation, and hunger for AI innovation here is massive.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt are at the forefront of AI adoption — in fintech, agriculture, and increasingly in the creative industries. Platforms like Data Science Nigeria, AI Kenya, and Zindi Africa are nurturing local AI talents.
We’re also seeing a rise in African researchers and creative technologists pushing boundaries in AI ethics, language modelling, and generative tools. The scene is grassroots, but it’s vibrant and accelerating.
4. AI is reshaping storytelling, and its evolution is growing fast. What’s next according to you? What’s the future of AI filmmaking?
AI will become deeply embedded in the entire filmmaking process — from ideation and scriptwriting to editing, sound design, and even personalized distribution.
We’ll see more African film-makers:
Using AI to generate characters that speak local languages.
Creating stunning visuals without Hollywood-level budgets.
Reimagining folklore and ancestral stories with futuristic twists.
The next frontier is hyper-personalized storytelling—where films adjust to your mood, location, or personal taste using AI. But beyond the tools, I believe storytelling with soul will always win — AI will be the amplifier, not the author.
5. SHAIKE is partnering with NAIFF. What’s your view on the platform and is it important to grow a worldwide community to embrace filmmaking opportunities?
I believe platforms like SHAIKE are critical to this moment. They aren’t just promoting technology—they’re creating bridges for global creative collaboration.
Having SHAIKE partner with NAIFF means we can expand the conversation beyond just Africa. It becomes a space for African film-makers to connect with creators, studios, and technologists worldwide — sharing ideas, co-creating, and unlocking new funding and distribution opportunities.
Film has always been a universal language—and AI-powered filmmaking makes it even more global. Growing this worldwide community isn’t just important; it’s essential for the future of creative equity.
With initiatives like NAIFF gaining momentum, Africa’s creative industries are ready to embrace the opportunities—and challenges—of the AI era.
