Assessing Cultural Worldviews in Nollywood Historical Films: A Critique of Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 and Bandele’s Elesin Oba...

The study delved into the evaluation of cultural worldviews in Nollywood historical films. The primary aim was to study the construction of cultural worldviews and their role in shaping historical narratives within the films. Drawing upon Gregory Bateson and Erving Goffman frame theory, the analysis critically examined Lancelot Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 and Biyi Bandele’s Elesin Oba: the King’s Horseman. These historical films were selected using a typical case sampling technique and subjected to thorough Content Analysis. The findings of the study highlighted the significant influence of cultural worldviews on indigenous peoples’ perceptions, behaviours, reactions, and problem-solving approaches. Also, these worldviews are encapsulated in the traditional beliefs, laws, symbols and, religious practices of indigenous Nigerian cultures, which encountered challenges during the colonial era. Based on these observations, the study recommended the importance of thorough research in film production to ensure the accurate representation of cultural worldviews in order to promote positive cultural and social values in Nigeria.