by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
It has been observed that, cultural harmony facilitates peaceful coexistence among people of diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and the role of different change agents, and has also attracted scholars’ attention in different parts of the world.
This was disclosed recently in a paper presented by Dr. Bashiru Akande Lasisi at the first Annual Conference organized by Signis Africa Humanitarian Foundation, in conjunction with the Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), at Capuchin Center Olomi Olounde, held in Ibadan.
In a paper with a theme: ‘The Role of Muslim Films in Intercultural Harmony in Africa,’ Dr. Lasisi said “The scant attention has been paid to the contributions of religious films in Africa, particularly from the Islamic faith to intercultural harmony discourse.”
He questioned: “Should we be concerned with inter-cultural harmony or religious harmony? Must religious films function beyond promotion of the tenets of the particular religion?”
Furthermore, he asked: “What constitutes a Muslim or Islamic film on the African continent, and how visible are the Islamic films in Africa for them to deserve assessment of their contribution to cultural harmony?”
Dr. Lasisi further stated thus: “What are the barriers to the widespread distribution and accessibility of Muslim/Islamic films and corresponding strategies for enhancing the role of Muslim/Islamic films in promoting Intercultural Harmony in Africa?”
Also, in ‘The Role of Christian Films in the Intercultural Harmony in Africa’ by Dr. Elizabeth Olayiwola, she said “In Nigeria and Africa, it was through Western Christian films intended for missionary work.
“While their primary intention was interfaith dialogue, they undeniably conveyed western cultural identity. Since then, indigenous African Christian films have continued to incorporate cultural values.
“These values often reflect a mono-cultural perspective intertwined with religious discourse. What role do Christians play in fostering Intercultural Harmony in an era marked by increasing pluralism and global conflicts? There is need for intercultural and in-religious harmony, which has never been more critical,” she stated.
While emphasizing the importance of understanding, respecting cultural differences, and seeking harmonious intercultural relations, she noted that, “Africa in particular must embrace and promote Interculturality.”
Also in their paper, ‘Portrayal of Religious and Cultural Values for Political Harmony in Africa in Some Selected African Films’ by Maria C. Obail and Eric Msughter Anondover 2 said, “Nollywood, Nigeria’s films industry and others in Africa stand as a testament to the power of storytelling within the African context, knowing for their rapid production cycle and a vast array of genres.”
According to them, “The African Film industries, especially Nollywood, have carved a niche for itself as cultural juggernaut, influencing audiences across Africa and the Diaspora.”
They noted that, “The use of motion pictures in storytelling has assumed a strong weight in Africa and Nigeria in particular because movies serve as cultural mirrors, reflecting an everyday life, traditions, principles and values for harmony and peaceful co-existence in the African society.”