Thriller theory as a panacea for nation building and quality production in Nollywood films: Obi’s <i>Idemili</i> season 1 as paradigm

Abstract

Film is seen as an effective educational tool for correcting societal ills in the sense that it presents the people’s cultures and raises critical questions on the norms and traditions obtainable in any society; therefore any attempt to misinterpret the intended message of this medium through sub standard production affects the existential essence of a people. This study presents the problems of filmmakers and film making process in Nigeria video film industry and points out how the divorce of theory from practice has affected professionalism in the industry. The study proposes a radical restructuring of the film industry in Nigeria in order to sustain what it has achieved for further development. To this end, it suggests a fusion of theory and practice in order to sustain growth and development that started in the industry over two decades ago. This will enable film makers in the industry to achieve a viable integration of the whole processes of film making to reach the pick of professionalism. This trend should serve as catalyst for flushing out quacks and amateurs who parade themselves as filmmakers in the industry. The researcher zeros in the study on a new Nigerian thriller Home video film: Idemili season 1 (2014) so as to explore the service of thriller theory to film making in the Nollywood Industry. The aim is to ascertain how this theory could be used as mechanism for sustainability and growth in Nigeria Film Industry. Case study and content analysis research approaches of the qualitative research method are adopted for the realization of research objectives.