The Nigerian film industry, or Nollywood as it has come to be known, is one of the most prolific producers of film fiction in the world and has influenced and stimulated the African film industry beyond the borders of Nigeria itself. With over 1,200 video films produced each year, Nigeria has become one of the most prolific producers of film fiction in the world. The majority of the films are of poor quality, made on very low budgets and in a very short time,but their production has a big impact on people in Nigeria and the industry's influence is extending across the continent. This book examines how the experiences and lives of Nigerians are narrated through the storyboards ofthe video producers, who copy with confidence and energy the recipes and formulas of popular films. As a home-grown industry that emerged spontaneously and without outside support, its vitality is a counter to 'Afro-pessimism' and demonstrates the possibility of reviving the African film industry and developing a cinema-going public to support it. PIERRE BARROT works in the Dept for Cultural Co-operation and Action at the French Embassy in Algiers, and was formerly the Regional Audio-Visual Attach at the French Embassy in Lagos. Contributors include TUNDE KELANI, OLIVIER BARLET, TUNDE OLADUNJOYE, FREDERIC NOY, DON PEDRO OBASEKI, IBBO DADDY ABDOULAYE, FRANCK BAKU FUITA, GODEFROID BWITI LUMISA & OGOVA ONDEGO Revised & updated from an earlier French edition published by Harmattan; Published in association with the French Embassy of Abuja; North America: Indiana University Press;Nigeria: HEBN