The Best Nigerian Short Films and Microdrama Series Have Been Produced with Generative AI Models

 

The Best Nigerian Short Films and Microdrama Series Have Been Produced with Generative AI Models

Poster by Ekenyerengozi Michael China, produced with Google Gemini.

© 2026. Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima. All rights reserved.

Nigerian filmmakers are increasingly using generative AI models to produce short films, web series, and hybrid live-action projects. 

I can affirmatively say that the short films and microdrama series made with AI by Nigerian filmmakers are not only the best in Nigeria, but also among the best in the world.

Total Content Creators: 

Nigeria has an estimated 250,000+ active content creators and influencers across various digital platforms.

AI Tool Adoption: 

According to reports by Google/Ipsos and the Boston Consulting Group, 70% to 91% of online Nigerians actively use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Suno, and Gemini) for tasks like scriptwriting, video and movie generation, and content creation. 

Dedicated AI Creators: 

While a large percentage of mainstream Nigerian creators incorporate AI into their workflow, only a subset focus specifically on artificial intelligence content, tech education, or AI-generated art/movies (such as specialized tech and UGC channels like @ayotundebrothers). Specific programs like Meta's AI Circle have also spotlighted select cohorts of Nigerian innovators in this space. 

Independent creators and digital production houses are pioneering the Nigerian AI short film movement, building an entirely new sub-genre of AI-generated Nollywood cinema. These shorts utilize AI for hyper-realistic and stylized digital actors, voices, and backdrops to deliver classic Nollywood themes—ranging from village love stories to intense family dramas and psychological thrillers.

The most notable, highly rated, and trending Nigerian AI short films include:

Top Nigerian AI Short Films & Series

Film / Series Title Genre / Theme Channel / Creator Key Narrative Focus

Notable Nigerian AI Short Films and Microdrama Series include the following;

Alien Dome Over Lagos (Computer Village 2): Directed by Udoka Oku (OguniTV Productions), this sci-fi thriller depicts an alien force sealing Lagos under an electromagnetic dome with traders trapped inside.

FALLEN: A faith-based Nollywood Christian thriller and supernatural short film crafted using AI cinematography.

The Dark Side of AI: Produced by Collins Tech Empire using Veo3, Google Gemini, and Suno AI, this episodic sci-fi series explores cloned minds trapped in a virtual prison.

THE PERFECT HUSBAND Or Narcissist: A full Nigerian AI-animated relationship drama addressing marital control and traditional pressures.

A Love Worth Fighting For: A romantic Nollywood drama short focusing on maternal interference and personal agency.

The Lagos Skeleton (Bone Marrow): An award-winning AI-generated short/comedy film by Xploit Comedy about a skeleton in Lagos who turns into a local influencer and celebrity.

Chisom Family Drama:  by Milky Way Movies.

A highly emotional short exploring marital strain, intense societal/family expectations, and infertility in Abuja.

Trapped (1961) Psychological Thriller Independent Creator A unique, period-piece psychological short set in 1961 Nigeria where a piece of land holds deep family secrets.

The Divide: Family Melodrama by Milky Way Movies A poignant drama focused on trust, betrayal, and a tragic accident that exposes a long-hidden secret about a daughter's true paternity.

Queens of Lagos: Urban Drama Series Independent Creator A multi-part viral web short tracking a woman named Venita who navigates the cutthroat, ambitious lifestyle of Lagos.

Things We Don't Say: Faith / Mental Health Crownlight Studios A grounded Christian short film tracking a young woman named Chinonso dealing with hidden emotional struggles behind a smiling exterior.

I Almost Married a Devil Christian Horror Independent Creator A suspenseful horror-drama blending faith and divine protection as a woman discovers her partner's dark secrets.

Opalaba: For a more cinematic hybrid approach, veteran director Tunde Kelani's upcoming project is highly anticipated. It is an AI-assisted satirical micro-web series reviving the iconic Saworoide character, blending conventional filming with advanced AI post-production tools.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,

The Founder and Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series

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Africa: Epic Historical Drama Series, Shaka Ilembe, is Set for Release in 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Africa: Epic Historical Drama Series, Shaka Ilembe, is Set for Release in 2023

Shaka Ilembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 25, 2022/ -- MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) and Bomb Productions are proud to announce that production on the epic drama series, Shaka Ilembe, has commenced and is currently filming in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, providing jobs for over 8 000 people.

Set in the 1700s, Shaka Ilembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. The two key actors playing Shaka are the incredibly talented Lemongang Tsipa (adult king) and newcomer Ntando Zondi (boy king). The star-studded cast is headlined by Amazon’s Coming 2 America’s breakout star, Nomzamo Mbatha, who plays Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, with Thembinkosi Mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman Mncube in the role of King Zwide. Mbatha will also executive produce the series.

“Being able to bring this important story to the screen with such stellar talent speaks to the heart of MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment and investment in our local entertainment industry. We are committed to telling great African stories and this is a proudly African series told through the lens of Africans for the very first time,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment & Connected Video at MultiChoice.

“I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!” expressed Mbatha.

“It is a cast with deep talent,” added Angus Gibson, Creative Director at Bomb Productions. “It is magical witnessing these performers bring life to characters we only know from the history books. When the cast arrive on set, fully dressed in wardrobe and hair from the period, I am blown away.”

The production has been six years in the making, consulting historians, academics and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. “This is our appointment with history; we want to capture the authenticity and deepen the understanding of this era,” explained Nhlanhla Mtaka, an executive and cultural advisor.

Striking a balance between historical authenticity and drama is crucial to the plot. “We want people to learn about our history and culture, but we also want to keep viewers glued in anticipation. This drama seeks to uncover nuggets of history, but creates narrative in the gaps by putting known characters alongside fictional characters in order to keep the story moving,” Phahle continued.

MultiChoice is the biggest funder of local content in Africa – producing content in local languages with local actors, and telling stories that resonate culturally. This production comes off the back of multiple successful co-productions such as Trackers, Reyka and most recently Recipes for Love and Murder. The group’s production quality and their ongoing partnership with international production companies allows for worldwide appeal and promotes South African talent on a global stage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Contact:
Elizabeth Fourie, Senior Manager: Corporate Communications
Tel:         +27 11 289 4735
Mobile: +27 83 482 5241
Elizabeth.Fourie@multichoice.co.za

About MultiChoice Group:

MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 21.1m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 35 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.

MCG’s strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. 

Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets. Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.

MCG aims to secure content rights cost-effectively in a manner that is reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio of content which is made available across the group’s platforms (DStv, GOtv and Showmax) includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a world-class sports offering (with production capabilities) and access to international content.

MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With more than 50 years’ expertise in software security, Irdeto’s software security solutions and cyber services protect over 6bn devices and applications for some of the world’s best brands. 

About Bomb Productions:

The Bomb Shelter is a respected leading production company based in Johannesburg South Africa. For over 21 years, Bomb has produced some of South Africa’s most iconic and ground-breaking television drama. The cult youth series, Yizo Yizo, received critical acclaim and awards around the world, and was screened at the Venice Film festival – their hit show Isibaya broke audience records and garnered awards seven years in a row, including over 30 SAFTA awards. 

The team steering Bomb are responsible for many acclaimed projects, including the Oscar-nominated Mandela, Son of Africa, Father of a Nation, as well as Granada Television’s flagship documentary series 7 Up South Africa, which was nominated for a BAFTA. They were also behind the double Sundance winner Amandla, a revolution in four-part harmony as well as the pan African hit drama Jacob’s Cross, which ran for eight seasons. Other projects include  Ayeye,  Zone 14, The Road, Isithembiso, House of Zwide and Sekali le Meokgo, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Lupita N’yongo starred and co-directed on Bomb’s ground-breaking series Shuga (seasons 1 and 2). 

Bomb has produced over 1 000 hours of television drama and is currently in production with the epic historical drama Shaka Ilembe.

SOURCE

MultiChoice Group