Nollywood: Nigerian videofilms as a cultural and technological hybridity

Nigerian videofilms reflect the economic, political, and cultural transformation in Nigeria. This article discusses Nigerian videofilms as a cultural and technological hybridity. The Nigerian movie industry, known as Nollywood, resorts to shooting movies in video form due to the high cost of celluloid. The term videofilm implies something between television and cinema. This article extends the definition. I define the term videofilm as any movie or motion picture produced mainly in the video format while adhering to particular cinematic values and conventions. Videofilm has transformed the way in which Africans tell their stories. Regarding cultural hybridity, this work evaluates Nigerian videofilms’ influence on the African diaspora and on African religion. Regarding technological hybridity, this paper investigates the videofilm revolution in Nigeria. This work employs postcolonial theory for a vivid analysis of videofilm culture. Videofilm can be used for cultural explorations and representations, or by individuals or groups who cannot afford celluloid.