‘Relying less on dialogue, embracing visuality, and prioritising cinematic techniques, Nollywood has the opportunity to elevate its storytelling to new heights. The real power of cinema lies in its ability to evoke emotions, convey narratives, and transport audiences to new worlds, and Nollywood has the potential to leverage this power through a more visual approach to its storytelling’
I HAVE served on the jury of quite a few international film festivals and award events over the last decade, and if there is an abiding concern about contemporary filmmaking in Nollywood, it is the fact that our films do too little and talk too much. Often no better than radio drama with pictures. It is not unusual to see actors sit around in a living room or in a car and trade dialogue for upwards of 5minutes of screen time. Whilst many of our actors and performers are incredibly talented, the biggest ask we have of them is just to memorize and recite large chunks of meaningless dialogue. But recitation is not acting. Just as standing behind a camera does not make you a film director. Our films need to be more action-led and more visually literate to achieve full potential. We need to emphasize the power of imagery over dialogue. And it is by prioritizing the cinematic language that our films stand a chance of critical acclaim and wider commercial appeal to that international slice of viewership who are used to immersive narratives and evocative imagery.
One of the fundamental principles of cinema is to convey information through actions, expressions and environments rather than through vocal expositions. It is by emphasising visual cues that films engage viewers on a deeper level, allowing them to experience the story rather than merely listening to it. Our filmmakers need to learn to integrate visual metaphors and symbolism to add layers of meaning to our films. Strategic use of symbols and visual motifs enhances storytelling, making films more thought-provoking and visually engaging. Dynamic cinematography incorporating creative framing techniques enhances visual appeal. Plus it can add depth, texture, and visual interest to scenes with tracking shots and visually striking compositions. Intentional use of color palettes and lighting can also greatly impact the aesthetics and the mood of a film especially when a director knows how to experiment with different color schemes to evoke specific emotions or create visual contrast. Additionally, creative lighting techniques enhance the atmosphere, emphasise key elements, and convey a desired tone or mood of a scene. Add to that thoughtful selection of locations. And some deliberate attention to set design, props, and costumes can elevate the overall visual appeal, making the world of the film more immersive and captivating. Finally, it is to put it all together with an understanding of cinematic storytelling structures and sequences using tools like montage, flashbacks, and motifs to communicate information, build suspense, or evoke emotions effectively. For every genre of cinema, there already exists established conventions that can be easily adapted to provide a far more engaging cinematic experience for the audience.
I am well aware that Nollywood audiences vary in their educational levels, cultural backgrounds, and exposure to different cinematic styles. And while it’s true that not all viewers may have extensive familiarity with the cinematic language, it would be incorrect to assume that our audiences are incapable of assimilating these elements. The cinematic language is a universal language that transcends education and cultural barriers. Humans are inherently visual beings, and we respond intuitively to visual stimuli, regardless of educational background. Many successful films from around the world have utilized visual storytelling techniques to convey their narratives and evoke emotions effectively. So while It is important to note that Nollywood has a diverse and broad audience, ranging from rural communities to urban centers, with varying levels of exposure to different forms of media, we can also accept that the growth of technology and increased access to global content has expanded the visual literacy of our audiences. As a result, viewers are becoming more familiar with visual motifs and imagery from various cinematic traditions. And by the way cinema in its earliest history was totally devoid of any spoken dialogue and relied entirely on action to communicate its story to an audience. So while there may be a need for Nollywood to strike a balance between cultural context and storytelling techniques, it is essential not to underestimate the audience’s ability to comprehend and appreciate visual motifs and imagery. Filmmakers can continue to innovate, experiment, and gradually introduce more visuality into Nollywood films, keeping in mind the diverse backgrounds and preferences of their viewers. Ultimately, with thoughtful execution and an understanding of the target audience, Nollywood will build an improved narrative footprint.
Of course, improving the music score and sound design is a necessary accompaniment to enhancing visuality. Sound plays a vital role in creating an immersive cinematic experience, adding depth and nuance to the storytelling process. Sound design and music score work hand in hand with the visual elements of a film, complementing and enhancing the emotional impact of the scenes. The right musical score can evoke specific emotions, intensify dramatic moments, or create a sense of tension and anticipation. Sound design elements, such as ambient sounds or well-crafted sound effects, contribute to the atmosphere and immerse the audience in the film’s world. Sound can also provide essential cues for storytelling, guiding the audience’s attention and emphasizing significant plot points. It helps to establish the mood, signify transitions, or indicate shifts in perspective.
Sound design and music can bring environments to life and contribute to the authenticity of settings, enhance the portrayal of cultural nuances, or add layers of detail to the narrative. Sound can communicate subtext and nuances that might not be explicit in the visual elements alone. It can enhance character development, relationships, or convey symbolic meanings. When visual storytelling and sound design work harmoniously, they create a more nuanced and impactful cinematic expression. Therefore, when aiming for more visuality, it is essential to consider sound design and music as integral components of the process. Relying less on dialogue, embracing visuality, and prioritising cinematic techniques, Nollywood has the opportunity to elevate its storytelling to new heights. The real power of cinema lies in its ability to evoke emotions, convey narratives, and transport audiences to new worlds, and Nollywood has the potential to leverage this power through a more visual approach to its storytelling.
