FILM AS A TOOL OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF “GANGS OF LAGOS”

ABSTRACT

The researcher investigated Film as a Tool of National Development: A Case Study Of Gangs of Lagos, it was anchored on Social Responsibility Theory and Development Media Theory. This study adopted survey and interview schedule guide (mixed research instrument) research method with the use of questionnaire which contains 12 questions and 8 interview questions. The purposive sampling technique were adopted  to draw out 242 respondents from the total population of filmmakers/ lecturers, actors, film critics, film house goers in both Benin city, Edo State and Lagos State, Nigeria. Data generated from the administration of the questionnaire and interview was analysed with frequency tables and simple percentage. The findings of this study revealed that Nollywood has used its platform and content to champion for national development, “Gangs of Lagos” has reinforced or challenged stereotypes related to national development, particularly in the context of Lagos, it has also influenced societal attitudes and behaviours toward key social and cultural issues in Nigeria. Based on the findings, concluded that government and the mass media should see one another as co-partner and co-agents of socialisation which can bring about national development. The researcher recommended among others that Nollywood as a leading film industry in Nigeria particular, and Africa in general should be deliberate about using it platform to create more engaging , compelling contents that will champion for national development, Nollywood should come up with contents that would discourage citizens from degrading national identity, but instead promote nationalism among Nigerians, just the same way the Hollywood film industry has made viewers all over the world perceived American national identity.