Literature review on the representation of selected LGBTQ+ stories in new Nollywood

Abstract

The scarcity of feature-length LGBTQ+ films in Nigeria, highlighted by the limited number of such productions between 2014 and 2020, underscores the socio-cultural and regulatory barriers that stifle LGBTQ+ representation. These challenges, compounded by societal anti-activism and the restrictive influence of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), lead filmmakers to opt for smaller, more experimental formats like short films, as seen in Ìfé. Despite the constraints, the short film stands as a bold testament to the growing resistance against the status quo, as both its creators, Pamela Adie and Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim, are openly involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy. By dissecting the film's narrative and its social context, this study sheds light on the evolving role of Nigerian cinema as a platform for LGBTQ+ voices and examines how films like Ìfé challenge societal taboos and contribute to broader discussions of inclusion and social change.