Acclaimed actor and scholar, Prof. Sola Fosudo, on Saturday lamented the quality of movies churned out by Nollywood in recent times.
He frowned at the prevalence of violence and sex scenes as well as the use of vulgar language in Nigerian movies saying that the moral depravity and increased aggressive behaviour among the young ones could be traced to the films they watch.
The Professor of Theatre Arts further decried the lack of regard for moral and family values in the movies.
Fosudo bared his mind in Lagos while speaking at a capacity building workshop for members of staff of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB South-West Zone. He spoke on “General Principles and Criteria for Film Classification.”
He said “The violence scenes in our films today have become more gruesome and sex scenes have become increasingly detailed.
“Use of vulgar language on screen has also increased over the years along with disregard for moral values, family values and religious tolerance.
“We rarely get to watch movies that are purely serene and meaningful and lacking violence and obscenity.
“Today’s generation would consider such movies of those days to be “Lame “ or “boring” because they are so used to seeing and hearing the violent and the obscene.”
He, therefore, urged filmmakers to make societal values, culture and national interest a priority rather than personal gains and interests.
Fosudo, however, commended NFVCB for its role in piloting the nation’s evolving motion picture industry and urged the board to be firmer in handling filmmakers who breach its classification guidelines.
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His words: “Extensive research has shown that higher levels of children’s exposure to media violence correlate with increased acceptance of aggressive attitudes and increased aggressive behaviour.
“Hence, there is need for proper and diligent classification of our films in order to protect the young and the vulnerable in our society.
“Basically, there should be guidelines that reflect National Policy, Community Standards and other factors such as the content of the film, its artistic, educational, social, cultural and literary merits.
Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director of NFVCB, in his opening remark, said the workshop was part of efforts by the board to reposition itself for efficient service delivery.
“The NFVCB is serving the largest film industry in Africa, therefore its workforce needs training and re-training, and I am committed to doing just that.
“This workshop is designed to be held in the six geo-political zones for our officers across the 36 states.
“In doing the censorship, licensing and classification job, every member of staff of the board needs good human and public relation skills, and we have relevant experts here to address that as well,” he said.
The theme of the event which had over 100 officials of the board in attendance was, “Film and Video Works in the New Horizon.”
Also in attendance were stakeholders from the academia as well as seasoned industry practitioners who coordinated training sessions for participants.
