Would you believe that Nigeria makes more commercial films than America or India? “Nollywood” produced over 2000 films in 2005, though as columnist Paul Flesher admits, they are working on a smaller scale.

“Admittedly, the Nigerian film industry operates on different principles from those of America and India. Most films are low-budget, often costing less than $30,000 to make. They are shot in 10 days or less by hand-held video cameras, and distributed directly to DVD without ever seeing the light (or is it the dark?) of a movie theater. Most films made in Nigeria sell for about $3 and rent for 50 cents.”

Flesher also looks into one dominant theme in Nollywood films. Christianity versus pre-Christian African faiths.

“What is interesting about Nigerian films is that one of the most popular plot lines features the clash of religions, old and new. The key characters are villains who use aspects of traditional African religions, often characterized as witchcraft or voodoo, to work their wicked ways. In the end, however, Christianity triumphs by redeeming the victims and vanquishing the evildoers, although they may be forgiven upon conversion to Christianity. Make no mistake, this plotline may be camp and hackneyed, but it usually is played down and dirty for all it is worth…these films echo the historical transformation of southern Nigeria from its traditional religions to Christianity.”

These films are the cultural inheritance of Christian missionaries brought in during the period of British colonization. During this time the spiritual practices of the Yoruba and Igbo were reframed as demonic witchcraft. Christian efforts to eliminate traditional faiths have been so successful that only around 10% still adhere to their tribal religions. Now this effort continues through the media the young consume.

“…the common Nollywood film plot described above reinforces the social and religious transformation of southern Nigeria from its traditional religious practices to Christianity…Given the film industry’s cutting-edge character in Nigeria and its popularity among younger Nigerians, these Nollywood plots help solidify Christianity’s increasing hold on the populace.”

As these pro-Christian films help destroy tribal belief systems in Nigeria, they are also being exported to other countries facing similar transformations.

“Nollywood films, with their religious themes, have a broad appeal outside Nigeria, especially where similar religious transformations have taken place. South Africa now has a satellite TV channel devoted to Nollywood films, and BSkyB, Rupert Murdoch’s British pay-per-view satellite company, is adding a Nollywood channel for Nigerian and other African expatriates in Europe.”

For Christian missionaries working in places like Nigeria the price of progress and aid are always an exchange for their traditional faith and culture. Once the initial damage is done, the “converted” culture (often subconsciously) continues the work of the missionary. Until all that is left are old stories and syncretic survivals.

Tags: Paganism