International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The prevalent use of Nollywood productions as conduits for the dissemination of foreign cultural products in Nigeria seems not abating; hence, the need to proffer alternatives to stem the ugly tide. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the production aesthetics used by Nollywood film producers and directors to generate beauty in their films are foreign or indigenous. Method: The study adopted a qualitative content analysis of three selected Nollywood movies by analysing the aesthetic components in terms of clothing, scenery, sound and language adopted in the films. Results: Findings revealed that the aesthetic production approach employed by the directors of the movies evaluated, were not substantially indigenous. Conclusion: Nollywood film makers still engage in the practice of adopting foreign production aesthetics to generate beauty in their films. However, in their quest at promoting Nigerian traditional values in their contents, they fuse both the foreign and indigenous cultures, which resulted in reducing the quality of Nigerian traditional heritage. Unique Contributions: This research has offered empirical evidence that could be useful in evaluating and addressing the challenges of preponderant use of foreign cultural aesthetics in Nigerian films. Key Recommendations: Nollywood film makers should produce and promote more indigenous motions of beauty through unadulterated application of native language, traditional dress and makeup, as well as wholesome portrayal of female characters.