Storytelling the environment through films: A reassessment of the representation of ecological degradation in Curtis Graham's Olobiri

Abstract

Ecological degradation remains a critical developmental challenge in Nigeria, particularly within the Niger Delta, where decades of oil exploration have devastated the environment. Human activities, including deforestation, oil spills, and pipeline vandalism, have compounded the collapse of ecosystems. Since the discovery of crude oil in 1956, the Niger Delta has become a focal point of national and international environmental concerns. Despite global awareness, the crisis persists, leaving host communities to contend with pollution that threatens their livelihoods and health. Nigerian filmmakers have increasingly employed the medium of film to address these issues, offering social commentary and advocating for environmental reform. Curtis Graham's Olobiri, produced by Roger Ofime, exemplifies this trend by depicting the socio-ecological devastation caused by oil exploration. The film poignantly captures the struggles of the Olobiri community as they navigate the loss of their ecological space and its catastrophic impact on their lives. This paper reassesses the narrative techniques used in Olobiri to highlight environmental violations and the broader implications of ecological degradation. By exploring the film’s characters, themes, and visual storytelling, it examines how cinema can be a persuasive tool for fostering environmental awareness and inspiring change. The analysis underscores the power of narrative persuasion in addressing human behaviour towards the environment, advocating for a shift towards sustainable practices. Through its depiction of the Niger Delta’s realities, Olobiri not only portrays the plight of affected communities but also illustrates the potential of storytelling as a medium for social impact, environmental preservation, and ecosystem restoration.