Marie C. Obasi Ph.D
Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria.
Email: macwudo@gmail.com

Abstract

This study, Portrayal of Religious and Cultural Values for Political Harmony in Selected African
Films, explores the representation of cultural values in African films and their relevance to
political harmony in contemporary Africa. Using an interpretative research design and critical
discourse analysis (CDA) as the data collection 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 representation. 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 political crisis, leading to significant loss of
life. In contrast, the community in Woman King, where cultural values were strongly present,
achieved political harmony and stability. The study concludes that films can serve as a tool for
constructing and promoting African cultural values. It recommends that filmmakers focus on
representing cultural values that contribute positively to political stability and harmony across
the continent.

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