Portrayal of widowhood practices and female genital cutting in Nigerian video films: A critical reading of select films

Abstract

Widowhood Practices and Female Genital Cutting (FGC) are issues that have attracted the attention of scholars and even casual observers from around the globe in recent years. Although such practices are gradually being modified, abandoned and outlawed as the case may be, they are still being practiced in some communities with grave consequences for the victims. This study critically examines the portrayal of these practices in Nigerian films using Emem Isong’s Uyai, Kalu Anya’s Make me a Widow and Emeka Nwabueze’s the Grave  Consequences to expose the associated ills of such practices. Data sourcing and analysis employed the content analysis approach of the qualitative methodology. The Findings of the study show that these practices are a threat to life and the wellbeing of the victims and society. The researchers therefore recommended the production of more films with themes of obnoxious cultural practices as a means of creating awareness and discouraging further perpetration.