CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The Nigerian culture has been invaded by the foreign cultures through the use of communications systems like films. History has shown that the intrusion of Western culture into the third world nations [like Nigeria] through the use of communications facilities has always been rampant. This is because the Nigerian people have been exposed to a high range of programs and communications content which have in turn moulded their thought pattern, belief, system and actions. This means our culture has been twisted and contaminated by interference of Western values and beliefs; cultures which have been defined as the total way of life, is an integral part of any society and stands for the sum-total of existence of a particular group of people dealing with their past, their present and a projected insight into their immediate and distant future. It is reflected in their way of life, ranging from religion, system of government, language, attitudes their dressing code, their expression of emotion and sadness. In essence, culture is the totality of the way of life of a people. Nigeria is a country rich in land, people and culture. Its uniqueness lies mainly on its culture. It is not only the most populous country but also the most culturally diverse black nation.

This brings us to the issues of the role of film in preserving culture in Nigeria. The Nigerian culture has suffered untold damage over the past years due to cultural imperialism which has crept into the society via communication facilities like radio, films etc. Due to this the Nigerian people have been forced to embrace the Western culture. Since culture is an integral part of the society and cannot be forgone, this study expresses the important of the medium as an instrument for the preservation of the Nigerian culture through its film house Nollywood. Culture is as old as man. It was probably created out of man’s desire to live in an organized world. Every society has a culture which they hold on to. Nigeria perhaps is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa having well over 300 ethnic groups each with their own uniqueness. An x-ray of the Nigerian society will reveal a picture of cultural infection which is gradually decaying. All these are borne out of the fact that we have not understood our culture enough to uphold its values. Apart from the fact that this has brought untold crises, pain and hardship upon Nigerian people, it has also stunted the growth of this sector [culture]. There is a need to look into this problem and proffer solutions. This brings us to the issues of the role of film in preserving culture. The introduction of films into our society has seldom failed to shake centuries old cultural practices, simple lifestyles, social integration and economic pattern. Often the benefits of modern communications which disseminate unfamiliar, vivid, absorbing information and entertainment originated in urban centers and more often than not from foreign places have been accompanied by negative influences which can dramatically disturb established orders. It should be noted that it is not only the media but the messages that is important and conditions must be created for national mass media and communication system to carry the cultural message of the nation. Communication system and the way they are used can pose a threat to cultural identity in most countries; if not all because communication is a part of culture as much as an influence upon it. The development of a national communication system can help to foster a thriving national culture. The importance of any organ of the mass media in the society cannot be underestimated as it stands as a medium of communication. Film is perhaps the most universally, appealing and more effective.

A well planned film rises above certain barriers by its use of pictures, music and sound conveying messages to people or audience of different background. What this means is that what we fail to understand through our traditional media we understand through film, No wonder Enahoro writes that, they are concerned with distribution of power in the society and the domination of certain interest over others. Therefore if films are a powerful media of communication it means that it could be effective in communicating a people’s culture to them. For a long time the Nigerian people have been exposed to a lot of foreign cultures via communication media. It is therefore assumed that to correct this, an effective tool of communication must be utilized and film is that medium. Film has also been viewed as a potent medium of communication through which messages ranging from indoctrination, education, entertainment, integrations, information, mobilization etc, can be relayed to people to achieve certain objectives. They have the power to re-direct and reposition the psyche of an average man. Films have an inexplicable bond between itself and their audiences willing suspend disbelief when viewing a film. The power of films on its audience makes it a viable tool for preserving culture. Nigerian film makers can reposition Nigerian’s dented image by making film that will promote Nigeria’s culture abroad.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

African countries were generally rich in cultural and traditional practices. Despite this; Nigeria was globally seen as anti-cultural species. Some aspects of indigenous cultures and tradition that made Nigeria survive in the olden days were no more transmitted to the new generations. The nonchalant attitude of Nigerian elders and leaders had affected the life style of new generations in the acknowledgment of indigenous cultures and tradition practices. Besides the collection and preservation of indigenous cultures and tradition, particularly by libraries seem not to have been given the attention they deserve, a laxity that can have grave implication for the survival of indigenous culture and tradition system in Nigeria.

It could also be that efforts being made by film industries to promote indigenous cultures and tradition is not been encouraged and fund by the government. Finally several researches have been carried out on collection development and preservation of indigenous knowledge in selected federal university libraries in south west, Nigeria. But not   even a single research has been carried out on the role of film preservation of indigenous cultures and tradition.

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the study is to determine the role of film preservation of indigenous cultures and tradition. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the relationship between film, indigenous cultures and tradition.
2. to determine the influence of our pride programme on AIT on the promotion of indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria.
3. to determine the extent to our pride programme on AIT has affected indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria.
4. to proffer possible solutions to problems.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the relationship between film, indigenous cultures and tradition?
2. What is the influence of our pride programme on AIT on the promotion of indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria?
3. To what extent has our pride programme on AIT affected indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria?
4. What are possible solutions to problems?
   1. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: our pride programme on AIT does not promote the indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria.

H1: our pride programme on AIT does not promote the indigenous cultures and tradition in Nigeria.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study on the role of film in preservation of indigenous cultures and tradition will be of immense benefit to AIT. In the sense that, it will enlighten the entire people the need why film in preservation of indigenous cultures and tradition should be encouraged. It will also be of great advantage to the government to see the need to fund and promote indigenous cultures and tradition in the aspect of educating and empowering the youths to take indigenous cultures and tradition as a course in terms of offering it in school as this will enable them to be self dependent even and after school and also creative in this field of film. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1. SCOPE OF STUDY

The study on the role of film preservation is limited to indigenous cultures and tradition.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Indigenous Culture: Are the holders of unique languages, knowledge systems and beliefs and possess invaluable knowledge of practices for the sustainable management of natural resources. 

Tradition: Is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

Film preservation: Describes a series of ongoing efforts among film historians, archivists, museums, cinematheques, and non-profit organizations to rescue decaying film stock and preserve the images which they contain.