CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL VALUES IN TWO SELECTED NOLLYWOOD FILMS; THE BLOOD SISTERS AND MOMS AT WAR

This study explores the dynamics of change and societal values in contemporary Nigerian cinema, focusing on two prominent films: Blood Sisters (2022) and Moms at War (2018). The research investigates how these films reflect, critique, and negotiate evolving cultural norms, gender roles, family dynamics, and moral frameworks within Nigerian society. Employing a qualitative content analysis approach, the study examines the thematic elements, character portrayals, and narrative structures of both films to uncover how they depict societal transformation and the tensions between traditional and modern values. Blood Sisters, a crime thriller, delves into issues of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of female agency within a patriarchal society, while Moms at War, a comedic drama, interrogates class distinctions, parenting philosophies, and the pressures of societal expectations on women. The analysis reveals that both films serve as cultural artifacts that mirror Nigeria’s shifting social landscape, addressing themes such as individualism, collectivism, and the influence of globalization. By situating these narratives within the broader context of Nollywood’s evolution, the study highlights how Nigerian cinema functions as a platform for interrogating societal change, challenging stereotypes, and fostering dialogue about identity and values. The findings contribute to understanding the role of Nollywood in shaping and reflecting cultural discourses, offering insights into the interplay between media, culture, and societal transformation.