By Prisca Sam-Duru

In a bid to make available, a book that encapsulates the dynamism and transformation as well as bring to the fore, some of the lapses currently experienced in the Nigeria movie industry, a new book titled Trends In Nollywood, was launched last week.

The book which was authored by the Executive Secretary/ CEO, National Institute For Cultural Orientation NICO, Dr Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma was presented to the public at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Trends In Nollywood, A Study of Selected Genres, is a 365 pages book published by Kraft books Limited which examines in detail, the contextual issues which have helped to define emergent trends within the industry. The book contributes to the cultural upliftment of Nigeria.

The book launch opened on a solemn note as departed Nollywood stars; Justus Esiri, Enebeli Enebuwa, Ashley Nwosu, Ndubuisi Oko, Pete Eneh, Amaka Igwe, Sam Loco Efe, J T Tom West etc, were honoured.

The event featured drama sketch on the Journey of Nollywood as well as a cultural dance taken from the Rivers State, all performed by the NICO Cultural Troupe.

Dr Barclays Ayakoroma who expressed satisfaction that the publication of the book finally came to fruition, said that the launching was to create awareness that the book is available for people to read and acquaint themselves with happenings in the growing industry.

According to him, “We mapped out three launches one in Abuja which took place last month, the Lagos event and in Bayelsa State which will take place on December 18, 2014. All this is to ensure that the book reaches a wider audience.”

“The idea of writing the book is to document happenings in the industry for those who are interested in reading and learning so that people will know about the history, dynamism and what made the industry to blossom.

The industry has undergone so much transformation leading to it securing the 2nd place in the world.”He explained. Ayakoroma further pointed out that “What we know to be Nollywood is about 22 years.

The technical problems and artistic lapses here and there in the industry, were what the troupe tried to put on stage. We can say that between 1992 till date, a lot has happened, a lot has changed. Currently, government is becoming interested in the industry. Platforms are created to the benefit of practitioners especially through the Project Art put in place by the Federal Government.”

The presentation of the book he hinted, is also a contribution to the information gaining process adding that “The research took place between 2004 and 2007, but since then its been in the cooler till last year before we brought it up for publication.”

Nollywood A-Lister and Director-General /CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Sam Dede who was part of the team that made Trends In Nollywood possible, stressed the need to “Create a unique trend in Nollywood, begin to define our place, find out what we can contribute globally rather than imitating cultures. Nollywood play a huge role to globalisation.”

Dede commended the author for the well researched book of over 400 pages on Nollywood, noting that the work is an added advantage to not just the reading public but also practitioners.

Reviewing the book, Head of Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura described Trends In Nollywood as a critical publication that offers invaluable insight into the social and political history of Nigeria.

According to him, “The organization and style of the book makes for interesting reading. As a critical scholarly work, the hypothesis was well framed and properly investigated; the analysis thorough, comprehensive, and academically enriching.

The work is anchored on relevant theoretical frames; its method of enquiry is sound, factual, objective, and intellectually provocative.”

Ayakoroma’s book he said, “X-rays the evolution, development and thematic preoccupation of Nollywood movies, particularly in the first fifteen years of the industry. The author’s choice of very accessible style, lucid language, full colour illustrations, in-depth analysis, and bold prints on cream bond paper, makes his book a reader’s delight any day.