Reflections on National Integration in Nigerian Film: an Example of Up North

Abstract

: Cinema as a medium of communication is an influential source or enhancer of national unity. Like other media of communication, films can shape behaviours negatively or positively, which is achieved through the texts, images and portrayals of characters that make up the content of films. The study discussed the reflection of national integration in Nigeria through films. Anchored on the theory of Hermeneutic, the study adopted the content analysis method. To this end, the movie Up North was critically appraised to ascertain to which it encourages national integration in Nigeria. Findings showed that the movie portrayed the Nigerian culture positively significantly encouraged national integration through focus on good morals, mutual respect among individuals, promotion of hard-work, and respect for and tolerance of our cultural diversity. The study concluded that films is a veritable means of social reengineering and nation building, and suggested that through greater synergy between the stakeholders in the culture industry, Nigerian films should be made to reflect mainly the positive cultural ethos of the nation while promoting peace in the society as depicted in the movie Up North.