NARRATIVITY THROUGH LIGHTING EFFECTS IN NOLLYWOOD FILM: A CRITICAL READING OF SELECTED NOLLYWOOD NARRATIVES

Abstract

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between lighting effects and narrativity in cinematic films, employing a semiotic theoretical framework. Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, provides a valuable lens through which to analyze how lighting influences the construction of narrative meaning within films. By examining the signifying properties of light, including its intensity, colour, direction, and contrast, this study seeks to elucidate how filmmakers use lighting techniques to convey narrative information, evoke emotions, and shape audience interpretation. Through a close analysis of select films, this paper highlights the nuanced ways in which lighting serves as a semiotic tool, contributing to the overall narrative structure and cinematic experience. Furthermore, this exploration underscores the importance of understanding lighting as more than just a technical aspect of filmmaking but as a fundamental component of storytelling and visual communication.