Towards a Theorization of the Nigerian Film: The Realistic and Formative Tendencies in Focus

Abstract

The Nigerian film industry is acclaimed to be the third largest in the world. This recognition relates to the number of films produced annually. Studies in respect of the Nigerian film focus mainly on thematic and historical development or a few critical analyses of some films within stated aesthetic canons. Actual theorization and critical assessment has seldom been done. This paper thus focuses on film theory. The paper acknowledges Kracauer's theory that film, from its inception, developed along two trajectories -the realistic and formative tendencies. There is therefore an attempt to situate the Nigerian film within the aesthetic canons of the trajectories. It is the submission of this paper that the Nigerian film has developed and remains subsumed within the precincts of the realistic tendency. It is concluded that the Nigerian film will likely remain in this position for sometime owing to the slow technological development of the country as well as financial constraints.