Nollywood and the challenge of digital archiving and preservation in the digital era

Abstract

This paper discusses digital archiving and preservation as a challenge that Nollywood must grapple with in the digital era. The paper argues that, in other climes, filmmakers have since understood archiving and preservation as the last steps in the life of a movie; unlike in Nigeria, where many a filmmaker have no plan beyond marketing and distribution. The methodology adopted for the research is the qualitative method, with use of documents and visual media research instrument utilized. This study is anchored on the theory of functionalism to establish the paper’s strong position that, in this era of transition to digital filmmaking, it has become rather pertinent for Nigerian filmmakers to factor in the archiving and preservation of their films as the final phase of the production process, in view of the all-important role it plays in the life of their works. Findings reveal that once the current film is distributed, filmmakers tend to move on with planning for the next big project. Thus, they fail to spend quality time to grapple with the reality of where the product of their hard work will end up in the future. This study concludes that filmmakers should be sensitized to appreciate the gains of the future life of their films that archiving and preservation offer. The National Film, Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA) in Jos should be strengthened and well-positioned to harvest the offerings of Nigerian filmmakers for posterity through digital archiving and preservation is our recommendation.