TOWARDS FILM PRODUCTION FOR CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A DIRECTORIAL PARADIGM

Abstract

“Change” is a sacrosanct cultural phenomenon. Its advent is expected to usher in collective reorientation and engender socio-political restructuring. Nigeria, having experienced sixteen years of People’s Democratic Party dominated democracy, naturally anticipated change. The All Progressive Congress capitalised on the change desiring environment and promised to bring about the desired change. In its attempt to facilitate socio-cultural, moral and political change in the country, government adopts “Change” as a slogan. This resulted into various rebranding projects that aim at orchestrating change of attitude and orientation. It becomes pertinent for artistes to rise up to the occasion, to champion these initiatives. Therefore this paper examines the roles that film as an art form should play in the management of this topical phenomenon. Using the Media Representative and the Auteur film theories as theoretical underpinnings, the paper examined the function of film directors in the production of films that will capture the multidimensional transformations in Nigeria during this period of change. It concluded that, for film art to be relevant in Nigeria NOW, it ought to reflect and document the socio-political environment, propagate the transformation agenda, conscientise Nigerians on the ethical and moral concerns of the ongoing change and provide feedback to the government. It is suggested at for film directors to be equal to the challenge; there is a need to avail themselves of appreciable measure of formal training in film directing.