The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has urged Nigerian movie producers to focus on incorporating traditional attire into their films, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the country’s cultural heritage through costumes worn by actors and actresses. In a recent statement released by the Press Unit of the Institute and distributed to journalists in Abuja, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, emphasized the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s culture and way of life to establish a positive cultural identity.
Otunba believes that movies are not only a source for young people to look up to actors and actresses as role models, but they also have a strong influence in shaping behaviours and can be used as a powerful tool to change societal values. Otunba emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage in order to nurture a strong cultural identity. He believes that our choice of clothing is pivotal in this endeavor, serving as the foundation for achieving this goal.
Featuring indigenous attire in our film could advance the country.
He encouraged Nigerian movie producers to infuse elements of our traditional attire into their films and establish cultural dressing as the official dress code for attendees at movie premieres in order to showcase and celebrate our heritage, he stated. The chief of NICO emphasized the importance of Nigeria receiving favourable recognition on a global scale. He suggested that by prominently featuring indigenous attire in our films, it could significantly contribute to advancing our international cultural diplomacy goals.
Similarly, the Institute had previously urged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Management, the country’s official film and video regulator, to mandate the incorporation of a minimum of 20 percent cultural content in all domestically produced films. Also, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is pushing for television stations to make it a requirement to showcase and educate the public on a minimum of 60 percent local content that celebrates the culture and heritage of the country.
Art of filmmaking has a powerful impact on society.
Throughout history, movies have become deeply intertwined with the culture industry. Filmmakers wield a powerful influence over society, particularly the younger generation. Despite their artistic liberties, there is a widespread belief that they carry a moral and ethical responsibility to assess the consequences of their creations. The art of filmmaking has a powerful impact on society by both mirroring and shaping cultural shifts, spreading core values, and altering perspectives on historical events and societal ideals. Creating ethical films requires careful consideration of the underlying messages and beliefs being portrayed, along with the potential impact on audience members.
Movies have a powerful impact on showcasing Nigerian culture, passing down social and cultural traditions from one generation to the next through various mediums such as plays, non-fiction films, cultural events, and more. Nevertheless, the emergence of modernization has led to a decline in our traditional values and customs, as Western influences and negative social behaviours take precedence. Common themes now witnessed in Nigerian movies often revolve around the pursuit of wealth, disregard for the older generation, infidelity, supernatural rituals, and various others.
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It is crucial for Nigerian filmmakers to prioritize the preservation of our cultural values and ethics when producing films. This will showcase our unique cultural identity to a global audience and highlight Nigeria’s cultural richness. While many filmmakers aim to create impactful and motivational content, they must also focus on promoting our cultural heritage in their work. Nigerian movies are supposed to connect people around the globe through cultural representation. It should showcase Nigeria’s unique culture in everything from clothing and language to cuisine, giving audiences a genuine glimpse into the country’s way of life.
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