Film as a Catalyst for Change
By Abdulmajid Sanusi
Film as a Catalyst for Change: Shaping the Narrative
In Nigeria, a country rich with cultural diversity and history, film has emerged as a powerful medium for storytelling and social change. These films go beyond mere entertainment; they mirror Nigerian society and a significant tool for shaping narratives and driving societal transformation.
This is done in various forms, Nollywood for instance produces thousands of movies a year, different stories, each shaping and influencing our emotions, behaviours, and perspectives consciously and unconsciously.
According to the official website of the international trade organization “Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry, “Nollywood,” originated in 1992. It is currently the second most prolific film industry in the world, with an annual output of around 2,500 movies.”
Films are designed to mimic real life and conversely, we often emulate the behaviors we observe on screen. in reverse, we mimic behaviors we see on screen. From speech patterns to our everyday appearance, there’s no doubt movies influence our daily lives. Robert Altman – American film director and screenwriter describes “filmmaking as the opportunity to live many lifetimes”
We spend around six hours a day consuming media from all corners—TVs, phones, the endless scroll on social media. It’s especially true for the young ones among us. Ever checked how much time you spend on TikTok or Instagram? It’s eye-opening. At this point, Our lives are becoming a reflection of every story, every post we’ve ever seen.
Statistics from explodingtopics read more here
There are numerous movies that have been able to successfully spark conversations and inspire change while keeping the audience engaged.
- 393 Days (2016), which chronicles the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, highlights the bravery of health workers and the importance of unity in the face of a crisis. These films serve as reminders of the country’s resilience and the power of collective action.
- “Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story: a feature length movie that serves as an exploration of Igbo heritage and the human spirit. Highlighting honesty, dedication, brotherhood, and hard work. But also stays entertaining and appeals to the universal audience.
- Sex for Grades” documentary, produced by the BBC’s Africa Eye which prompted outrage over sexual harassment in Nigeria and Ghana. It shed light on a pervasive issue that had long been hidden. As a direct result of the documentary, four lecturers featured in the film were suspended indefinitely.
As well as many other movies. These movies have sparked driven policy changes and improved awareness in areas such as climate change, harassment, cyberbullying, access to Justice
Creatives as an agent of change
The impact of films on our lives is undeniable.
What this means is that creators hold the power to become the drivers of the future. As creatives, we have the responsibility to use our craft to influence and inspire. Our tools—the script, the camera, the edit suite—are instruments of change.
For the creatives out there. Sometimes we might feel too small to make an impact, but the big stories always start small. Network with peers in the industry and tailor your work to making positive change.
You can take your next step by Joining Initiatives such as Homevida, an initiative of the Public and Private Development Center to nurture young talents and teach the art of storytelling through acting, directing, and writing. And Sponsor people to be the next big name in film.
The Homevida program gives young filmmakers an opportunity to join a tribe of filmmakers and learn from community leaders and alumni of the program
Learn More about Homevida here
We have the opportunity to tell stories that matter, stories that challenge the status quo, and stories that give voice to the voiceless. By doing so, we can contribute to a more informed, empathetic, and proactive society.