REPRESENTATION OF GENDER ROLES IN NIGERIAN MOVIES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF LIONHEART AND THE WEDDING PARTY

This study examines the representation of gender roles in selected Nigerian movies, with particular focus on Lionheart (2018) and The Wedding Party (2016). The study investigates how male and female characters are portrayed in these films and explores the extent to which such portrayals reinforce or challenge traditional gender norms in Nigerian society. Gender representation in media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and societal expectations regarding masculinity and femininity. As one of the most influential film industries in Africa, Nollywood serves as a powerful medium through which cultural values and gender ideologies are communicated. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and relies on content analysis of the selected films, supported by relevant literature from books, journal articles, film reviews, and other secondary sources. The analysis focuses on character portrayal, narrative structure, dialogue, and social interactions to identify recurring patterns of gender representation. The study is anchored on gender representation theories that explain how media constructs and disseminates gender ideologies. Findings reveal that Lionheart presents a relatively progressive depiction of women by portraying female leadership, competence, and participation in decision-making within a traditionally male-dominated business environment. In contrast, The Wedding Party largely reflects conventional gender expectations by emphasizing women's roles in marriage, family, and romantic relationships. The study further finds that while Nollywood has begun to incorporate more empowering portrayals of women, traditional patriarchal values continue to influence many film narratives. The study concludes that contemporary Nollywood films demonstrate a transition in gender representation, balancing between traditional cultural expectations and emerging ideals of gender equality. It recommends that filmmakers promote more balanced and diverse portrayals of both men and women in order to contribute positively to social development and gender inclusiveness in Nigerian society. Keywords: Gender, Gender Representation, Nollywood, Lionheart, The Wedding Party, Nigerian Movies, Gender Roles, Media Representation.