THEMATIC ISSUES IN SELECTED NOLLYWOOD MOVIES: A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR THE PROMOTION OF CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND MORALITY

Abstract

Nigerian  home  video  industry  (Nollywood)  without  doubt  has  become  a phenomenon  in  Nigeria,  courtesy  of  television  viewing.  Nigerians,  both  at home  or  in  diaspora,  consume  film  avidly;  scenes  gleaned  from  films  impact on  their  lives,  reflect  in  their  actions  as  well  as  everyday  speech.  The  stories shared   regardless   of   religious   differences   are   increasingly   not   religious narratives, but rather movie plots. The lively discussion it inspires has become a  more  vital  site  of  academic  exploration.  It  also  raises  moral  concerns, especially  at  the  speed  in  which  the  moral  and  ethical  life  standards  of Nigerians  are  plummeting  on  daily  basis.  However,  the  negative  projection and  reinforcement of obscene films by Nollywood is said to be the ‘prime suspect.’  Hence,  premised  on  Gerbner’s  cultivation  theory,  this  paper examines thematic issues in three selected Nollywood movies with the aid of phenomenological   research   model.   Findings   indicate   that:   these   movies among  several  films  projected  by  Nollywood  are  to  some  extent  bereft  of sound  moral  rectitude,  as  there  is  clear  display  and  celebration  of  violence, ritualism,  prostitution  and  witchcraft.  Hence,  this  study  advocates  for  a paradigm  shift  as  such  movies  distort  and  subvert  human  values.  Therefore, film  makers  and  film  censor’s  board  should  work  to  decrease  the  rate  of vividness of negative exposition of vices in film plots. Christian films should be  used  to  counter  some  of  the  negative  tares  currently  making  waves  in Nollywood   movies.   Projection   of   movies   that   teaches   and   encourages permissible  good  behaviour  within  the  society  should  be  promoted.  To  do otherwise is unethical