Media as an instrument for x-raying societal ills: A study of selected Nollywood films

Abstract

The importance of media as a platform for societal interaction and communication is growing. Several researchers have for instance, opined that repeated viewings of films with violence instill violent attitudes in the minds of the viewers. For instance, viewers, including women, become more callous in the face of film portrayals of violence towards women. The continuous rise in cases of domestic abuse in countries like Nigeria precipitates the need for this research inquiry. Indeed, there are so many ways the efficacy of film can work against the cause and more often than not, violence against women in movies are gratuitously portrayed to draw and titillate audiences. The aim of this research is to investigate how film as a medium helps in exposing societal issues. The researcher employed the qualitative research method which entails the analysis of text, online journals and handbooks for proper and objective content analysis and appreciation. The researcher also analyzed two Nollywood films; that is Scream and Wanted. Hence, the research work explores violence against women and children as evident in the two video films.