From Make-Believe to Real Esotericism: The Socio-Spiritual Values of the Depiction of Rituals, Shrines and Incantations in Nollywood Films.

The article examines the depiction of rituals, shrines, incantations, and occult practices in Nollywood—the Nigerian video film industry—and how these cinematic portrayals are perceived as real esoteric phenomena by many African audiences, actors, and filmmakers. It explores the socio-spiritual values attached to such depictions, highlighting that while Nollywood occult films are intended as make-believe entertainment, widespread African religiosity, popular myths, and eyewitness testimonies about the spirit world contribute to the belief that these films generate actual cosmic or spiritual energies capable of affecting those involved in production and viewing. The paper discusses contrasting perspectives, including filmmakers who deny any real spiritual effects, and religious critics who assert that occult films serve as channels for harmful supernatural forces. Ultimately, the article argues that claims of cinematic occultism’s reality rely on paranormal methods beyond natural science, making the debate both controversial and culturally significant.