The Silent Fight: Films as Tools for Propaganda (A Challenge to the Hausas)

Abstract

Previous researches have proven the relationship between literature and human thoughts. Films are, however, among the modern works of literature that have great significance on human behaviors. Films are largely accepted and watching films has become a tradition to almost all communities in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that films are used as tools for propaganda. Accordingly, this paper is set to examine the relevance of films as tools for propaganda in disseminating and imposing ideologies to large targeted populations. The paper analyses films produced in some selected countries to determine the extent to which the films display the caliber of development of those countries which ranges from political, social, to developments in the areas of science and technology. On the other hand, the paper studies some Hausa films to ascertain if they promote the cultural heritage and display the good sides of the socio-political practices of the Hausas. The paper hypothesized that the Hausa films usually downgrade the status of the Hausas and Nigeria in general instead of promoting them. Marxism Film Theory is used in the study. Data were collected from interviews and critical studies of some selected films. The study found out that, the Hausa films are lacking in promoting Hausa culture. In conclusion, the paper proposed some suggestions as a panacea to the current shortcomings of the Hausa films. One of them is that the Hausa filmmakers should work hand-in-hand with Hausa resource persons in providing good film contents.