Marie C. Obasi Ph.D
Department of Mass Communica on, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria.
Email: macwudo@gmail.com
Abstract
This study, Portrayal of Religious and Cultural Values for Poli cal Harmony in Selected African
Films, explores the representa on of cultural values in African films and their relevance to poli cal
harmony in contemporary Africa. Using an interpreta ve research design and cri cal discourse
analysis (CDA) as the data collec on tool, the study analyzed three African films: Gang of Lagos,
Half of a Yellow Sun, and Woman King. The findings revealed varying degrees of cultural value
representa on. Gang of Lagos showed minimal cultural values, while Half of a Yellow Sun
depicted these values to a moderate extent, and Woman King portrayed them most prominently.
The study also found that the community depicted in Gang of Lagos, where cultural values were
largely absent, was embroiled in poli cal crisis, leading to significant loss of life. In contrast, the
community in Woman King, where cultural values were strongly present, achieved poli cal
harmony and stability. The study concludes that films can serve as a tool for construc ng and
promo ng African cultural values. It recommends that filmmakers focus on represen ng cultural
values that contribute posi vely to poli cal stability and harmony across the con nent.
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