World Changing Response # 2 - Global Culture & Film

Living on a shrinking planet has demanded us to broaden our perspectives – film is an excellent way to understand the lives, places, and cultures foreign to us. Film also illuminates histories, hopes, and dreams of other cultures. The evolution of digital cameras and editing software has made film more accessible for people’s use versus wealthy producers. This allows smooth transitions between cultures while still maintaining individuals to retain their cultural identities. As film emerges it does so with strong national identity.

For example, Nollywood has grown out of Nigeria and is known for it’s low budget though widely distributed films in open-air markets. The Nollywood films are rooted oral storytelling such as traditional folktales and family based dramas. Nigeria has a growing demand for these local films, which creates local jobs. While piracy and government funding are an issue some filmmakers have taken Nollywood to the next level by touring their films in international film festivals. Jeta Amata’s Amazing Grace (2005) is a good example of the power of globalization as it is one of the few Nollywood films in circulation in North America. The growing film industry recognizes the power in addressing touchy social and political issues. Before Sunrise (2006) is a product of feuding border nations (Nigeria and Cameroon) coming together to produce a film which the major theme that love is greater than hatred or vengeance. Nollywood’s success has inspired other African countries such as Kenya and Uganda to start their own film industries. These emerging African cinemas prove that creativity - not standardized industry and hefty budgets – is what’s needed to produce a good film (Steffen 368-373).

Steffen, Alex. World Changing: A User’s Guide For The 21st Century. New York: Abrams, 2008.