NUEL explores AI, grief, limits of faith

A gospel feature film, NUEL, is set to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, grief and faith when it premieres in November on the GoodNewsTv YouTube channel.

Billed by its makers as Africa’s first gospel feature film centred on artificial intelligence, NUEL tells the story of Seun Adeoye, a young boy who, overwhelmed by loss, develops an app designed to replace God.

However, what begins as an attempt to cope with grief soon becomes a deeper exploration of the consequences of relying on technology to provide answers and comfort traditionally associated with faith.

The film is centred on AI as a subject rather than being produced using artificial intelligence.

NUEL joins a growing number of African films exploring the possibilities and implications of AI. Makemation, which was released in Nigerian cinemas in April 2025, was billed as the first feature film from Africa themed around artificial intelligence. While Makemation examined AI through a coming-of-age story about technology and community, NUEL approaches the subject from a faith-based perspective.

Written by Oluwasikemi Arotiba, NUEL was produced by Segun Oke and directed by Ayomide Aina. The film features veteran gospel actors and emerging talents, including Ayobami Adegboyega, Yemi Adepoju, Benjamin Gbadeyan, Tobi Adebisi and Maryam, among others.

According to Oke, the increasing prevalence of depression and the ease with which people can seek comfort from technology inspired the story.

“I chose to tell this story because of the rising rate of depression and how quickly people could find solace in something that is not God,” he said.

For Aina, the director, the project goes beyond entertainment, with the potential to provoke conversations around social, ethical and spiritual issues.

He said, “Film is not just a medium of entertainment, it is a weapon of change both social, ethical and spiritual.”

The film comes at a time when AI-powered chatbots, digital companions and other forms of technology are increasingly being used for emotional support, while concerns about loneliness and mental health continue to generate global discussions.

The movie is scheduled to premiere in November on GoodNewsTv’s YouTube channel and will be available to audiences in Africa and the global Diaspora.