A shadow of code: Baba Kamo’s short film on dark side of AI
Movie review: A shadow of code – The creation and destruction
Habeeb Yahaya Olatunji, popularly known as Baba Kamo, isn’t just a filmmaker—he’s also a popular skit maker and stand-up comedian who has built a strong following with his creative versatility. But beyond comedy, he’s been carving out a serious reputation as a filmmaker who uses stories to spark important conversations. After the success of Mayomi, his moving film on cerebral palsy awareness (which was internationally recognised and nominated for an award at the Power24 International Film Festival), he’s back with another thought-provoking piece under his Olatunji Atanda Production brand.. This time, he takes on a topic that feels urgent and unavoidable: the power and danger of artificial intelligence.
A story that starts small—and ends in chaos
The short film opens innocently enough. Ayomide (played by Baba Kamo) introduces his friend Jude (Oluwatobi Yeye-Irojah) to the world of AI. But what begins as curiosity quickly spirals into something darker. When Ayomide leaves to tend to his sick father, Jude experiments with an AI video generator. A careless mistake leads to a provocative video insulting multiple religions being uploaded online.
From there, things unravel brutally. Ayomide, unaware of what has happened, becomes the target of mob anger. The scenes that follow are uncomfortable to watch because of how real they feel—how quickly misinformation can spread and destroy a life. By the time the truth comes out, it’s too late. Ayomide is gone, leaving behind an inhaler he had bought for his father.
Performances that hit home
What gives the film its weight is not just the story but the performances. Baba Kamo plays Ayomide with a vulnerability that makes his fate hit harder. Peter Johnson, as the sick father, brings quiet strength, while the supporting cast—Ebere Peculiar as the sharp-eyed pharmacist and Ismail Shaaba as one of the doctors—keep the narrative grounded in everyday reality.
Simple but sharp filmmaking
Technically, A Shadow of Code doesn’t overdo it. The editing by Akeem Asaju is clean and tight, keeping the tension alive without unnecessary flourishes. The film doesn’t need spectacle—the message carries it. And that message is clear: technology, in the wrong hands, can be more dangerous than we realize.
Why it matters
In a time when deepfakes, fake news, and online misinformation dominate headlines, this short film couldn’t be timelier. It’s not just a story about two friends—it’s a story about all of us and the digital future we’re walking into, often without thinking twice.
Final take
A Shadow of Code is raw, direct, and unsettling in the best way possible. It doesn’t just tell a story; it leaves you questioning the tools we create and how easily they can turn against us. For a short film, that’s no small achievement.
