Depravity and Delinquency Themes in Nollywood Films: A Critical Evaluation of Sewaa and Calabar Nurses

Abstract

The moral decay and acts of delinquency amongst Nigerian youths have skyrocketed in recent years. The challenges facing the country in the area of delinquency which involve insecurity could have been triggered by many factors. However, this study explored the Nollywood film industry as having a contributing factor to the above issues. Consequently, two Nollywood films were identified and Sewaa (2020) and Calabar Nurses (2017) selected purposively for critical evaluation. To do justice to the case studies, the study adopted content analysis design approach of qualitative research method and utilized Gorge Gabner’s Cultivation theory to evaluate how films could aid in attitude and behavioural changes which could be positive or negative. The findings of the study show that constant exposure to films riddled with depravity and acts of delinquency on a long run, could negatively influence the viewers. The researcher therefore, recommends that Nollywood Filmmakers who interrogate the theme and subthemes of delinquency, depravity or establish violent themes should, while interrogating such film narratives, keep the glorification and glamorisation of the aforementioned themes and subthemes limited. This isto ensure that the culprits, violators of professional and moral etiquettes are punished and sanctioned appropriately.