Nigerian actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has urged film practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), describing the technology as a valuable tool for improving creative production rather than a threat to the industry.
Speaking with pressmen at a recent reception organised by the United States Consulate in partnership with the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Adebayo said AI could make work easier and help filmmakers improve the quality of their productions.
The actor, who highlighted the growing influence of AFRIFF on the Nigerian film industry, commended the festival for strengthening international partnerships, particularly with the US Embassy and other global organisations.
“AFRIFF is an annual event. It is about the film festival in Nigeria, and we have experienced growth in partnerships, especially with the US embassy and other parts of the world,” he said.
He noted that the festival had continued to create opportunities for established filmmakers and emerging talents to showcase their works, build industry connections and reach audiences beyond Nigeria.
“This has also given leverage and a platform to key players in the industry and the upcoming ones,” he said.
Adebayo encouraged stakeholders to sustain their support for the festival, stressing the importance of creating more opportunities for content creators to promote Nigerian stories internationally.
“I will only advise that we all continue to support the organisers of AFRIFF and ensure that more windows are open for content creators. This is actually selling our content to the global world,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, the actor dismissed suggestions that the technology could undermine the industry, insisting that it should instead be viewed as a creative resource.
“I wonder how people think AI is a threat to our industry. As far as I am concerned, AI is an enhancer of smooth work in our industry,” he said.
He further advised filmmakers and other industry professionals to acquire the necessary skills and training to understand how AI works and apply it effectively in their creative projects.
According to him, embracing the technology would help practitioners improve their storytelling and produce content capable of competing in international markets.
“AI is more of a helper than a destroyer,” Adebayo added.