In Search of Nationhood: Reading Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah As National Film

Abstract

Nollywood’s unprecedented level of narrative sophistication, coupled with aesthetic and artistic appeal, has initiated a conversation on rethinking the definition of a national film. This study takes a critical look at Funke Akindele’s (2023) film, A Tribe Called Judah and attempts to read it as a national film. Set against the backdrop of Nigerian society grappling with the complexities of ethnic disunity and economic survival, corruption and distrust, the film serves as a poignant narrative that delves into the themes of identity, cultural diversity, ethnic dichotomy, family unity and the journey towards national reconciliation. Importantly, the film’s narrative structure, character development, and symbolic elements, mirror the challenges and aspirations faced by citizens in contemporary Nigerian society in their pursuit of a cohesive national identity, thus the film could be read as a national film. Employing cultural and post –colonial theories, the study examines the film’s contribution to the discourse on nation building and national identity. As a qualitative study dependent on bibliotheca tools, the paper presents the film as a national film that not only entertains but also challenges its viewers to reflect on the essence of nationhood, the value of ethnic diversity and the on-going quest for a harmonious national narrative in an increasingly fragmented world. We therefore argue for more encompassing definitions of national films.