The Ada in the Age of Nollywood: Leadership, Culture, and Representation in Lionheart (2018)
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Chinaza Munonye, Uchenna Onuzulike
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 17:43 PM
Tags: Uchenna Onuzulike USA 2026 Bowie Bowie State University Chinaza Munonye Frederick
Abstract
Many Nigerians in the diaspora use Nollywood films to engage or reconnect with their culture, turning to them to learn about language, traditions, and family roles. However, films often simplify or dramatize culture, which can create misleading ideas about how Igbo social roles look, especially for women and daughters. This is particularly important when it comes to Ada (eldest daughter), a role that carries cultural authority and responsibility. This study uses critical analysis to compare how Ada characters are portrayed in selected Nollywood films with how existing research defines the traditional responsibilities of the Ada in Igbo society. It examines storylines and character behavior, focusing on signs of leadership or family duty in the films, then measures these against documented expectations. Lionheart (2018) serves as a case study to illustrate these dynamics. Preliminary findings suggest that filmmakers understand the importance of Ada, but do not portray their authority with the depth suggested by cultural sources. By identifying where Nollywood films align with or diverge from cultural reality, this study will highlight how media shapes cultural knowledge and identity for people living away from home. Ultimately, this study aims to encourage culturally grounded representations of Igbo womanhood and leadership in Nollywood.
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