By Hassan Habibat temitayo
Films have a big influence on how we see the world. They can change our thoughts and feelings about reality. This is especially true in today’s culture, where people question what is real and false.
Films are easy to access and can be seen by many people. They also have the wherewithal to deeply affect our emotions and thoughts. The way movies are made can even persuade us to think or feel a certain way.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been using an effective way to teach people new things. Instead of using just words, they use interesting pictures and stories. This approach has been helping to change Nigerian culture. This Nigerian film industry has been a major driver of this cultural shift. Their movies have been bringing significant changes to the traditional family structures in Nigeria.
By telling relatable stories and showing realistic characters, Nollywood films have been influencing how Nigerians think about family, marriage, and relationships. They have been challenging traditional norms and promoting new values and ideas.
It is important to note that this cultural shift is having a significant impact on Nigerian society. It’s helping to create a more modern and open-minded culture, where people are more accepting of change and new ideas.
A notable outcome of this cultural shift is the growing emphasis on individual choice and gender equality. This, in turn, has created new opportunities and freedoms for individuals, particularly women. It is easy to grasp the progress of women’s involvement in decision-making within marriage. Women are now more likely to participate in choices regarding family planning, such as determining the number of children and even deciding when to give birth. The movement of freedom and equality in Nigeria is part of a bigger change in the country’s value which nollywood films have played a significant role in driving this transformation.
The stories and themes in Nollywood movies have helped shape Nigerian society’s views on important issues. They have promoted values like independence, equality, and fairness. As a result of this, Nigerians are now more open to new ideas and ways of thinking. They are demanding more freedom and equality, especially for women and young people. This shift in values is an exciting development for Nigeria, and Nollywood films will likely continue to play a major role in shaping the country’s future.
The Westernization of Nigerian society, as reflected in Nollywood movies, has led to a more liberal attitude towards marriage and relationships. Through these films, Nigerians are increasingly exposed to the idea that love marriages, where individuals choose their partners based on personal compatibility and shared values, are a viable and desirable option.
In the past, many marriages were arranged by families. But now, many Nigerians can now build stronger, more supportive relationships that enhance their overall well-being and satisfaction within the family unit.This change has helped people form happier and more peaceful relationships. They can now choose partners who make them happy and support them.
Nollywood films reflect the everyday realities of Nigerian life, tackling socially, culturally, and politically relevant themes that resonate with ordinary Nigerians. These themes include childless marriages, political assassinations, discrimination against HIV/AIDS victims, religious scandals, election frauds, village celebrations, and students’ lives in colleges.
The film producers and directors of Nollywood cleverly attract home audiences by incorporating symbols and elements that reflect Nigerian daily life. The use of familiar landscapes, food, and music creates a sense of connection with the audience, making the films more relatable and authentic.
This approach has been influenced by Westernization, which has brought about increased globalization. As a result, Nollywood films have become a platform for showcasing Nigerian values, while also addressing universal themes and issues that are relevant to audiences worldwide.
This piece is published as part of the writer’s internship with Nollywire, facilitated by the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).