The Representation of Rape in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and Moses Inwang’s Alter Ego

Abstract

Rape is one of the serious crimes committed every day in Nigeria with many negative effects on victims, perpetrators, and society. However, the enormity of the crime is not fully represented in Nollywood films leading to subpar treatment of rape as a subject matter in most Nigerian films. Using a descriptive approach, the study examined the subject of rape in Kunle Afulanyo’s October 1 and Moses Inwang’s Alter Ego. These films were selected using a purposive sampling technique that enabled the researchers to select from several Nollywood films that dwell on the issue of sexual violence. The study adopted Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi’s Self Control Theory to interrogate the motivation, perception and attitude toward rape. The study revealed that rape is committed within the institutions that are responsible for the development and protection of young people, resulting in latent physical, psychological and sociological problems for the victims, perpetrators, and society. The study recommended that Nollywood film practitioners should use their works as weapons against all forms of sexual violence, and concluded that social and cultural institutions have a major role to play in the intervention and survival of victims of rape by intensifying awareness of the dangers of sexual violence in Nigeria.