AN APPRAISAL OF THE PROMOTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NOLLYWOOD MOVIES: A STUDY OF KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR AND MR. AND MRS

ABSTRACT

The issues of domestic violence, vis a vis the role of film in its perpetration have been on the front burner of global discourses on human rights abuses for quite some time now. The dominant scholarly view (backed by research) is that though not entirely responsible for the problem, film is a major promoter and perpetrator of domestic violence in our society. The research set out to investigate the Nollywood film industry with a focus on the ways the themes of domestic violence is been explored by filmmakers. The study adopted the content analysis and literature review for the collection of its data for analysis. Two Nollywood movies knocking on Heaven’s Door and Mr. and Mrs. Were used for the analysis. Against the backdrop of the findings of the research. The study recommended that: That in the view of dominant global position that there is a strong and undeniable correlation between film portrayals and actual reactions to issues of domestic violence, the Nigerian Censor’s Board and other relevant agencies should work together in order to reinforce the global cry against domestic violence. Modalities such as trainings, workshops/ seminars for movie script writers and directors in the country should be set up to help acquaint them with the best mediums to fight against domestic violence in their portrayals.