Nollywood film producer Anita Odiakaose has called on the Igbo people to take deliberate steps to promote their language, culture, and traditions for future generations. She made this appeal in Enugu while briefing journalists on her new movie, "Ikenga: The Last Festival". The movie, produced with about 95 per cent Igbo language and cultural content, has performed well at the cinema, grossing over N100 million within one month of its release.
According to Odiakaose, the film industry has a significant role to play in preserving indigenous languages and traditions, especially in the face of increasing exposure to foreign cultures through entertainment and digital media. She stressed that "Ikenga" was conceived not only as entertainment but also as a platform for showcasing the richness, identity, and values of the Igbo people to audiences within and outside Nigeria.
The heavy use of Igbo language and cultural elements in "Ikenga" was deliberate, Odiakaose said, adding that film could serve as a powerful vehicle for passing cultural knowledge from one generation to another. She urged Igbo filmmakers and other stakeholders in the creative industry to produce more works that reflect the people's history, language, customs, and way of life.
Odiakaose emphasized that promoting indigenous content should not be seen as a rejection of other cultures, but rather as a way of protecting the identity and heritage of the Igbo people while participating actively in the global creative industry. She noted that "Ikenga" is an attempt to demonstrate that Igbo language and culture can be used to create compelling stories capable of attracting audiences beyond the South-East.
The producer highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, stating that if the Igbo people do not tell their own stories and preserve their heritage, they cannot expect future generations to understand where they come from. She called on Ndigbo to take proactive steps to safeguard their cultural legacy.
"Ikenga" combines fiction and non-fiction elements with a cultural festival and a love story to make the movie appealing to audiences. The film's success has demonstrated the potential for Igbo language and culture to resonate with viewers, both within Nigeria and beyond.
Odiakaose's advocacy for the promotion of Igbo culture and language through film has sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of preserving indigenous heritage in the creative industry. Her efforts with "Ikenga" have shown that it is possible to create engaging and culturally relevant content that showcases the richness of Igbo culture.
Key points
- Anita Odiakaose urges Ndigbo to promote their language, culture, and traditions through film and other creative endeavors.
- The movie "Ikenga: The Last Festival" has grossed over N100 million at the cinema, demonstrating the appeal of Igbo language and cultural content.
- Odiakaose emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous heritage and promoting cultural identity through film and other creative industries.
