Framing the Past, Sustaining the Present, and Preserving the Future: Film Production and the Preservation of Igbo Cultural Heritage.

Abstract

The transmission of indigenous knowledge systems in a globalized world necessitates the adaptation of cultural practices into modern, accessible media. Film production is as a vital channel for preserving, and transmitting a people's intangible cultural heritage. This study investigates a contemporary Nigerian cinema, 'Egwu Ọnwa,' as a medium for preserving the traditional Igbo folk performance. It is a visual adaptation that attempts to interpret, recreate, and transpose the pre-existing oral form of Igbo communal performance. The paper examines the transition of the 'Egwu Ọnwa' cultural content from its original space and oral form into a visual, digital medium. The primary objectives are to identify the cultural elements of traditional Egwu Ọnwa represented in the film, to assess the degree of positive versus negative representation of these elements within the filmic adaptation. Employing the Theory of Adaptation as the framework, the study utilizes a purposive sampling method, focusing exclusively on the film 'Egwu Ọnwa'. The analysis reveals that while the film successfully portrays many of the activities that characterized moonlight games in ancient Igbo society, it also features several scenes where the representation deviates into a negative or distorted portrayal of the traditional cultural context and values. The study concludes that the film industry offers an avenue for preserving and transmitting the rich Igbo cultural heritage to contemporary and future generations. It recommends that filmmakers exercise diligent cultural fidelity to avoid distortions or negative portrayals that could undermine the Igbo cultural tradition being documented.