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AI and African storytelling: Empowering the next generation of filmmakers
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global film industry, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a leading pan-African film and TV production academy, recognises the transformative potential of AI in empowering the next generation of African storytellers. Besides being a sustainable, impactful talent pipeline, MTF is a flagship MultiChoice CSI initiative, with the goal of ensuring that Africa’s next generation are not just consumers, but active shapers of the technology evolution. As storytellers, they are also equipped to make use of technology, leverage AI to enhance African creativity and drive industry growth on the continent.The AI enabler In this understanding of the new technology, AI is not seen as an alternative to human creativity, or a threat, but an enabler; an amplifier. For African filmmakers, AI opens doors to enhance storytelling, streamline production processes, and bring authentic narratives to life in innovative ways. By embracing AI, filmmakers can elevate their craft, making it more efficient and accessible while preserving the rich humanity that defines African storytelling traditions.AI is already established as an invaluable tool in the production of mainstream commercial films. Several cult and commercial films have used AI as an integral part of their production process. Among these was The Irishman from 2019, which used an AI technology called FaceSwap to reference older movies of the lead actors, and then create youthful “de-aged” versions of those actors.A similar type of “deepfake” technology is also sometimes used in high-budget action movies to replace the faces of stunt artists with the faces of the lead actors in the final film. Such a technique was used in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings, where machine learning was used to “swap” the faces of stunt doubles during fight scenes. In The Brutalist, AI was used to improve the pronunciation of lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, who speak Hungarian in parts of the movie.Some filmmaking AI applications have drawn praise, while others have courted controversy. However, for Africa to occupy its rightful space as home to many of the world’s greatest stories, the continent’s storytelling talent must learn these AI methods – and a host of others.The tools at workMany of these AI tools are pre-production tools that enhance the efficiency of the process and even make it more affordable. During the process, AI technology can be used for applications like idea iteration, scene blocking, to generate mood boards, or to assist with initial script drafts.AI can also assist in generating a range of plot possibilities, help to pre-visualise scenes, streamline editing and create sophisticated visual effects.While AI offers immense potential, it also raises ethical questions, such as data privacy, representation, and the responsible use of technologies like deepfakes. MTF stresses the importance of addressing these concerns thoughtfully, encouraging filmmakers to use AI in ways that respect cultural values and maintain trust with audiences.Opportunities for African StorytellersFor African filmmakers, AI presents a unique opportunity to tell stories that resonate globally while staying rooted in local cultures. By leveraging AI, they can create visually stunning films, enhance production efficiency, and reach wider audiences through platforms like MultiChoice’s hyperlocal content ecosystem, which prioritises stories that reflect viewers’ lived experiences.MTF’s mission is to empower young filmmakers to seize these opportunities, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the technological future of the industry. By encouraging a deep understanding of AI’s capabilities, MTF encourages graduates to push creative boundaries while maintaining the authenticity of African narratives.MultiChoice, parent company to MTF, is already deploying AI to enrich its content offering and to improve user experiences. AI tools are applied to extract useful insights from the oceans of data generated by MultiChoice subscribers and used to customise and refine their customer journeys. In the final analysis, AI is critical to delivering a world-class training programme that will equip aspiring film and TV professionals to thrive in a dynamic media landscape. With AI as a partner, the next generation of filmmakers is ready to redefine the art and impact of African cinema.
In early July 2025, when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was unveiled as the opposition coalition party for the 2027 election, Nigerians were overjoyed.They weren’t just excited for the party, but also for those who made up the party. They were bigwigs from the 2023 presidential election and two major candidates of the opposition; Abubakar Atiku of PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party were part of the coalition.Many Nigerians who want the APC out of the way were excited that, for the first time, opposition parties in Nigeria realised it would take unity to remove a strong politician like President Tinubu from power and because in the last election, the combined votes of opposition parties surpassed that of Tinubu, the combination of the two opposition actors was seen as a great force.However, while Nigerians were happy about the coalition, Primate Elijah Ayodele, a renowned prophet who is known for the prophetic position he occupies in global politics and governance, revealed what was to come for the coalition during a press conference.The press conference was held on the 5th of July, to launch his annual prophecy book titled Warnings To The Nations, and during the question-and-answer sessions, he was asked about the fate of the ADC, and his response left everyone surprised.He mentioned that the ADC coalition is good, but the former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, would pull out of the party. He stated that the coalition is divine but Peter Obi will pull out. This was barely one week after the coalition was unveiled.These were his words:“The coalition is divine. Only a spell will dismantle the coalition.“Peter Obi will still pull out from this coalition, if care is not taken. If they advise him wrongly to pull out, he cannot win.”“If Obi said he wants to pull out, use Rotimi Amaechi (ex-minister). No other person (sic) will contest, it is Atiku. But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believes they have won the 2027 election with these governors that they are poaching. President Bola Tinubu, you have not won yet; I am giving you a warning now, how you can win, how people will defeat you.“Anything I said, that’s what God said. And I am presenting it that way. So, if you don’t like it, it is in 2027 that you will regret it.”https://thelagostimes.com/2027-election-primate-ayodele-releases-prophecy-on-adc-coalition-says-peter-obi-will-pull-out/Just as Primate Ayodele warned, Peter Obi left the coalition yesterday Sunday to pursue his presidential ambition elsewhere.This fulfilment further shuts the critics of Primate Ayodele; many have said what he does is permutation and analysis but there is no way anyone could have thought Peter Obi would leave the coalition in July 2025, the very beginning of the coalition when the going was at its best. This shows Primate Ayodele remains a formidable and credible prophet for all nations.Likewise, on the issue of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Primate Ayodele has always maintained that he is not fully with the ADC and that he will just be there like a mole.This has been fulfilled too because Kwankwaso left with Obi to NDC, just few weeks after joining.
Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.
Oba Salman Aweda, his wife and another resident have been kidnapped emidnight invasion of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.He was recently elevated by the state government.The heavily armed gang stormed the palace of at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing sporadically to scare residents before taking him and two others to an unknown destination.This is the noise we have been making regarding how they treat the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church.Before now, people used to say Primate Ayodele talks about politics alone but at the moment, his prophecies about insecurity in the country has been top notch; nobody comes close if we are to rank it but it is alarming that people who are supposed to secure people have turned deaf ears.This has repeated itself several times and it seems the time has come for us to ask questions; do our security operatives enjoy hearing the death and kidnap of innocent Nigerians let alone prominent individuals?Before the recent attacks on military base, an ondo monarch, bomb attacks in Borno, attack on church on Easter Sunday, Primate Ayodele specifically warned the security operatives and the government about the impending attacks but they never listened. Now, few weeks ago, Primate Ayodele revealed that next target of terrorist in Nigeria and stated that they are planning to attack some traditional rulers. He even went as far as revealing the states where the attacks would be carried out.These were his words:“Terrorists will start kidnapping traditional rulers in some states that include Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara, Kano, Kogi (Lokoja axis), Ondo, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Yobe, with concerns that the threat could also extend to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”The happening in Kwara state has fulfilled this prophetic warning. Obviously our security operatives didn’t do anything about it. Now, how long do we continue like this?
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