Audience reception of the Benin language video film in Nollywood
Author(s):
Omoera, Osakue Stevenson
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of African Cultural Studies, Volume 26, Issue 1 (2014-01). pp. 69-81.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This article inquires into the Benin-speaking audience's reception of Benin video films in order to show their status as part of a micro-national film culture in Nollywood. It holds that, apart from films of English expression, Nollywood films have been made in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Nupe, Benin, among other indigenous languages. The article argues that, although studies on Nollywood are increasing by the day, very few of these studies deal with questions of audience -- and fewer still with audience reception. It uses the reception model developed by Susan Bennett, and builds on Karin Barber's insights into African performance and performative contexts. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to interrogate the Benin-speaking audience's perception of Benin video films. It affirms that a majority of Benin viewers is enamoured of the Benin video because in it they find a portrayal of their culture. In particular, the use of iconic-cultural materials such as the artefacts, festivals, the language and mores of the people are perceived by the sampled audience as a projection of Benin culture. The study concludes that Benin video film has emerged as a viable variant of Nollywood owing to a large Benin-speaking audience and a production of about 400 movies. Adapted from the source document