SCI-FI FILM GENRE: A CATALYST FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Science fiction, Genre, Innovation, EdutainmentAbstract
The study delves into the application of science fiction films in Nigeria as a medium for promoting science and technological ideology to induce development in the country. The objectives are to seek out science fiction stories in the Nigerian film industry, find out if the science fiction genre in Nollywood portrays the societal approach and importance attached towards science and technological progress, and to discover if the available science fiction stories produced in Nigeria serves as a catalyst for inducing the populace towards science and technological development. The study uses the Edutainment theory, methodology for the study is textual analysis of Nigerian sci-fi films, and interviews and focus groups involving science fiction related Nollywood offerings that have been produced in the last 15 years. The findings reveal that the science fiction genre films in Nigeria are few and has not established dominance compared to other genres. Most of them have limited capacity to inspire the young generation of film fans towards science and technology based careers except one. The study recommends that policies tilted towards the genre should be introduced and that technological companies should be engaged and encouraged to become involved in such productions.
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