Viewer surge disrupts global premiere of Yoruba AI film Asiri Ilu Awon Osu

The global online premiere of the Yoruba-language film Asiri Ilu Awon Osu encountered technical difficulties after increased viewer demand placed pressure on the Docuth streaming platform. The film, whose producers describe it as a pioneering photorealistic Yoruba AI feature, became available globally on Docuth on Monday, October 5, following months of promotion around its use of artificial intelligence and live-action filmmaking.

Some viewers were unable to complete key steps required to watch the production, according to the film's production team, Mysterious Tech Studio. Reported problems included difficulties with registration, account access, payments and opening the film after payment had been made. The studio said complaints came from viewers both within Nigeria and outside the country, and it issued an apology on Tuesday while efforts to resolve the problems continued.

Mysterious Tech Studio said it was working with Docuth to address the disruption and improve the platform's ability to handle demand. The production team also asked customers who had already paid but were still unable to watch the film to remain patient while access issues were being fixed. The studio said further updates would be provided as work continued to stabilise the service.

The release is also drawing attention because of the production method behind the film. According to its producers, Asiri Ilu Awon Osu was completed in September 2025, with roughly 80 per cent of its visual material created or supported using artificial intelligence. The remaining production involved live-action performances and human direction. The filmmakers describe the project as a hybrid rather than a completely automated AI production.

The film was co-created by Mysterious Tech Studio and Yoruba actress and filmmaker Tanwa Hameed. Its story uses a Yoruba cultural setting to examine subjects including power, justice, oppression, faith and society. The producers have promoted the project as the world's first photorealistic Yoruba AI feature film, though that description remains their claim.

The team had also submitted the project to Guinness World Records while seeking recognition for its combination of artificial intelligence and human filmmaking. However, the proposed record category was not formally established. The film is being offered through a pay-per-view model rather than a regular subscription arrangement, and its producers had previously announced different payment options for its two parts.