Paddling to the Rhythm: A Taxonomy of Nigerian Nollywood Films

Abstract

This paper examined the trends in the production of Nollywood films from its emergence in the early part of the 1990s through towards the end of the 2000s. It examined what informs the choice of themes and contents of films produced. The study was carried out in order to facilitate improved understanding and appreciation of Nolywood films. To achieve this, about two hundred films were previewed. Finding showed that 'Glamour films, Epic films, Reductive domestic films, films from adapted literary works, Comedy and religious films were the predominant feature of Nolywood films during the period. It also showed that both the Yoruba Nollywood film producers and the Ibo film producers using English medium of expression influence one another on the choice of film contents and subject matter, and that recycling syndrome was evident in the type of films produced. Another key finding was that the taste of the Nollywood audience kept changing thereby making it mandatory for Nollywood filmmakers to be dynamic in their thematic choice. Also, monotony of themes and subject matter as well as poor quality culminated in dwindling patronage of many films during the period. The paper concluded that both the Nollywood audience and Nollywood filmmaker influence each other. It then recommended that for Nollywood film to improve in terms of contents and quality, the taste of its audience must improve.