Fictional stories are easy to make and even easier to consume because apart from the fact that filmmakers get to flex their creative muscles and explore the endless array of storytelling possibilities, they are mostly entertaining. Nonfiction motion pictures however are emotional, thought-provoking cautionary tales that are based on true life events that mandate filmmakers to stay true to the original story. “Apaye” is a Nollywood film that is based on the true accounts of an inspiring Ijaw woman and this study explored the details of the story to investigate the fidelity of the plot and its pictorial representation of the events. The study was a qualitative content analysis that employed coding relevant categories, web scraping for cinéastes’ and historians’ reviews, and interviews with members of the Ijaw community who are versed in the realities of critical details of the original story. The analysis of each frame was juxtaposed with data gathered from firsthand reliable accounts to ensure validity of research. The study found out that although “Apaye” maintains its historical value, the plot contains fillers that are borne out of the creative imagination of the filmmakers, and that the motion pictures significantly lacked fidelity. The study recommended that Nollywood filmmakers invest more time and resources in research should they venture into making films that are based on true life stories otherwise the films lose their emotional and thought-provoking appeals.

Authors:
Theresa Chris-Biriowu, Rivers State University, Nigeria

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Theresa Chris-Biriowu is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Rivers State University in Nigeria

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