Filmic transposition of revolt and revolution in Nigeria: success or failure of protest in Arase’s In my Country and Somewhere in Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Protest actions have become popular resorts to decry bad governance and press on socio-political demands in Nigeria. However, the attack and maiming of protesters, the hijack of the protest medium allegedly by hoodlums, and the arrest of protesters by unnamed security agents have introduced doubts as to the potency of the protest medium in effecting desired socio-political change. Understanding the motivations for protest actions through the Grievance theory and Leaning on Marxism, this article analyzes the social stratification and exploitation that triggers protests and the fate of the citizenry in the face of lethal opposition to protests as represented in Arase’s In my Country (2017) and Somewhere in Africa (2011). We submit that the struggle for good governance through protest and revolt requires patriotism, willful spirit, sacrifice, and courage. Optimal regard for the rule of law and the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest is recommended.