JOURNAL ARTICLE

Screening the Streets: How Recurrent Narratives in Nollywood Films Shape Public Perceptions of Crime and Law Enforcement.

  • Published In: Journal of African Film & Diaspora Studies (JAFDIS), 2025, v. 8, n. 3. P. 153 1 of 3

  • Database: Humanities Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ajah, Benjamin Okorie; Magadze, Tshimangadzo Oscar 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines how Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, recurrently portrays crime and law enforcement, shaping public perceptions through sustained exposure to these narratives. Using Cultivation Theory, it analyzes qualitative secondary data to highlight four main themes: police corruption and ineffectiveness, ritual crime and occultism, criminal gangs and drug abuse, and the rise of vigilante justice. These portrayals, while reflecting societal realities, may cultivate distrust in formal institutions, normalize illicit practices, and legitimize extralegal justice, thereby influencing audience attitudes and behaviors toward crime and justice. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at promoting responsible storytelling, enhancing media literacy, and fostering collaboration between filmmakers and justice institutions to balance realism with social responsibility.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of African Film & Diaspora Studies (JAFDIS). 2025/09, Vol. 8, Issue 3, p153
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Film
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:25162705
  • DOI:10.31920/2516-2713/2025/v8n3a9
  • Accession Number:189277736
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of African Film & Diaspora Studies (JAFDIS) is the property of Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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