‘The growth of African cinema and the recovery of memory in Africa are intrinsically linked. Archives serve as gateways to our collective memory, enabling filmmakers to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Africa and tell stories that are authentic, empowering, and transformative. By recognizing the importance of archives and supporting filmmakers in their endeavors, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse renaissance where our stories are heard, valued, and cherished’
FILM is an invaluable and powerful tool in the recovery of memory in Africa. Our continent has experienced tumultuous periods marked by colonisation, independence movements, social upheaval, and cultural transformation. These historical events often come with the erasure of memory, the suppression of stories, and the distortion of truth. Cinema emerges as a catalyst for remembering and reconciling these narratives. Through the lens of film, we can revisit forgotten histories, bridge generational gaps, and initiate healing processes.
The power of visual storytelling can evoke empathy, foster dialogue, and encourage reflection. By capturing personal narratives and collective experiences, film acts as a bridge between generations, allowing older generations to pass down their wisdom and younger generations to gain insight. Archives play a pivotal role in supporting this process of memory recovery because they contain invaluable primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and oral histories, which can inform and inspire films and filmmakers. These archival materials provide the raw material for constructing narratives that challenge dominant historical narratives and uncover suppressed truths. By engaging with archives, filmmakers contribute to the preservation and recovery of memory, ensuring that Africa’s history is not forgotten but celebrated, understood, and learned from.
Technology has revolutionised archiving and significantly enhanced the recovery of memory. Today Digital Preservation is easy and user-friendly across digital spectrums and devices. Technology allows for the easy and quick digitization of photographs, documents, and audiovisual recordings. This process ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of even the most fragile and deteriorating materials, safeguarding them from loss or damage. It also enables widespread access to archival resources, transcending geographical boundaries and allowing researchers, filmmakers, and the public to explore and engage with historical materials remotely.
Online archives and databases are making archival materials easily accessible to a global audience. And digital platforms are providing search functionalities, metadata, and contextual information that aid researchers in locating specific materials of interest. This accessibility in turn promotes inclusivity, encourages collaboration, and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources across borders.
Technology is also enabling crowdsourcing initiatives, inviting the public to contribute their personal stories, photographs, and memories to archival collections. Citizen archiving initiatives empower individuals to actively participate in preserving their own histories and local narratives. By harnessing the collective knowledge and contributions of communities, technology enhances the depth and diversity of archival collections, capturing multiple perspectives and lived experiences.
For Nigeria to take advantage of what technology offers, we need to invest.
1. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Building robust internet infrastructure and ensuring widespread access to high-speed internet is essential. This infrastructure enables efficient digitization, online archival platforms, and remote access to archival resources. Government should invest in expanding broadband connectivity and bridging the digital divide to enable equal access to technology-driven archival resources.
2. We need to be intentional to invest in a cultural industries-wide digitization project to preserve and make accessible the products of our creative communities in the last 2-3 decades, covering film, photography, visual art, fashion, sculpture, music, Animations, literature, poetry and much more. This includes funding digitization equipment, establishing digitization centers, and training archivists in digitization best practices. Collaborations with international institutions experienced in digitization can also help expedite the process.
3. Technological Training and Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity building programs to archivists and cultural heritage professionals is crucial. This includes training in digitization techniques, digital preservation, metadata management, and the use of archival management systems. By equipping professionals with technological skills, Nigeria can harness the full potential of technology for archival preservation and memory recovery.
4.Collaboration between government institutions, cultural organizations, universities, and private entities is vital. Partnerships can foster the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise in archival technology. Collaboration with international organizations can bring access to funding opportunities, technical support, and knowledge sharing, accelerating Nigeria’s progress in utilizing technology for archives and memory recovery.
By investing in technology-driven initiatives and embracing digital transformation, Nigeria can leverage the power of archives to preserve and recover memory, and contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our history. The growth of African cinema and the recovery of memory in Africa are intrinsically linked. Archives serve as gateways to our collective memory, enabling filmmakers to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Africa and tell stories that are authentic, empowering, and transformative. By recognizing the importance of archives and supporting filmmakers in their endeavors, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse renaissance where our stories are heard, valued, and cherished.
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