Advancing Indigenous African Values and Ethos for Film Directing and Production in Nollywood

Abstract

For several decades, African film narratives and directorial approaches have been tailored towards the western modes of theoretical postulations and production patterns. This is due to the widely accepted conventional training modules and curricula which were and still are based on European ideas, values and styles, with little or no regard for the unique African theatrical and performative styles. This study, therefore, aims at investigating certain indigenous cultural and historical activities such as folktales, myths and legends that can provide raw materials for film and video drama in Africa; and thus serve as a basis for the evolution of new theoretical standpoints for producing works in the motion picture industry on the continent. Using the cultural norms and agenda-setting theories as frameworks, the study focuses on Nigeria, drawing relevant data from selected ethnic groups across the country, such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa/Fulani, Benin, etc. The study is expected to evolve relevant indigenous theories on African oral tradition, folktales, myths and legendsas parameters for creating and producing films and video works that are authentically African.