Ambassador (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi, OON, has called on Nigerian filmmakers to prioritize the promotion of authentic Nigerian cultural values, warning against the growing glorification of internet fraud, ritual killings, disrespect for elders and the pursuit of wealth without hard work in films.
Amb. Farounbi, a Trustee of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), made the call while delivering the keynote address at the association’s Annual Conference, themed “Our Story, Our Values, Our Future – The Imperative of Films Based on and Promoting Authentic Nigerian Values.”
He described filmmakers as powerful nation-builders whose influence extends beyond entertainment, noting that films play significant roles in education, moral instruction, cultural orientation and shaping public attitudes.
According to him, filmmakers have a responsibility to use their creative influence to strengthen national identity and promote values capable of building a better society.
He cited the experiences of Hollywood, Britain’s film industry and India’s Bollywood as examples of how countries use films to project their identities, preserve cultural traditions and influence global perceptions.
Amb. Farounbi argued that a movie scene could leave a more lasting impression on a child than lessons taught in the classroom, stressing that the power of storytelling must be matched with a strong sense of responsibility.
He identified five core values that Nigerian films should promote: community spirit, respect for elders and institutions, dignity of labour and integrity, genuine spirituality and morality, as well as resilience, family unity and joy.
Explaining the importance of community spirit, he cited the Yoruba saying, “Eni kan lo n bimo, igba eniyan lo n wo,” which emphasises collective responsibility for raising a child, and the Igbo expression, “Igwe bu ike,” meaning unity is strength.
He lamented that some films increasingly portray betrayal, selfishness and the pursuit of material wealth as desirable, instead of encouraging solidarity, mutual support and responsibility to others.
The ANTP trustee also criticised the portrayal of traditional rulers and family elders as objects of ridicule, arguing that such representations could undermine the respect traditionally accorded to elders and cultural institutions.
On integrity and hard work, he recalled the Yoruba sayings, “Ise ni ogun ise,” and “Oruko rere san ju wura ati fadaka lo,” which emphasise the dignity of labour and the greater value of a good name over material wealth.
He expressed concern that the glorification of internet fraud, ritual killings and effortless riches in some productions could send harmful messages to young people.
The elder-state-man further called for balanced representations of religion and spirituality, warning against portrayals that reduce traditional African religions to evil practices or present religious faith as a means of deception.
He identified three major factors responsible for what he described as the departure of some Nigerian filmmakers from authentic cultural values.
These, he said, included excessive dependence on market trends and online popularity, inadequate research into Nigerian history and traditions, and the tendency to imitate foreign film industries at the expense of local originality.
According to him, the pursuit of views, social media engagement and foreign streaming approval should not override the responsibility of filmmakers to produce works that educate, inspire and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
He also urged writers and producers to conduct deeper research by engaging traditional rulers, cultural custodians, community leaders and historians to ensure that Nigerian stories are presented accurately.
Proposing solutions, Ambassador Farounbi urged ANTP to establish a committee to develop a Nigerian Values Charter for filmmaking, explaining that the proposed framework should guide practitioners rather than serve as an instrument of censorship.
He also called for a dedicated funding scheme for films that promote Nigerian culture, history, indigenous languages and positive social values.
He proposed that the association collaborate with government institutions, the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture and private-sector organisations to mobilise resources for such productions.
The cultural advocate further recommended cultural immersion programmes for theatre arts practitioners, insisting that training should expose students to traditional communities, Nigerian languages, festivals and indigenous knowledge systems.
He called for stronger partnerships between ANTP and institutions such as the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), the National Council for Arts and Culture, university departments of Nigerian languages and councils of traditional rulers.
According to him, such partnerships would help filmmakers produce authentic stories rooted in the country’s diverse cultural experiences.
Amb.Farounbi also advocated the development of distribution channels that would give greater visibility to films promoting positive Nigerian values.
He suggested that television stations, cinemas and a possible ANTP cooperative streaming platform could support such productions by providing them with better access to audiences.
In his concluding remarks, Farounbi warned that the images created by Nigerian filmmakers would significantly influence how future generations understand their country and the African continent.
He challenged practitioners to decide whether their films would portray Nigerians as criminals and disrespectful individuals or highlight the people’s resilience, industry, community spirit, respectfulness and commitment to moral values.
He urged filmmakers to move beyond producing films that merely attract attention or generate revenue, calling instead for works that contribute to national development and endure across generations.
“Let us not just make films that trend. Let us make films that endure. Let us not just make films that sell. Let us make films that build,” he said.
Farounbi concluded by urging members of the association to use their creative platforms to strengthen national identity and promote authentic Nigerian values, declaring: “Let us give Nigeria back to Nigerians through our lenses.”
