Hyginus O. Ekwuazi: Reflections on filmmakers and film educators1

This reflection explores the pioneering and critical contributions of Professor Hyginus O. Ekwuazi to the development of the Nigerian film, and film studies in Nigeria in particular, as well as to the growth of the African film in general. It highlights that Ekwuazi’s scholarship and contributions – which span teaching and academic administration, research and writing, curriculum development, mentorship, corporate engagement and service to and engagement with industry – count among the earliest to inaugurate and define the discursive landscape of film studies in Nigerian universities. Nevertheless, the reflection contends, Ekwuazi’s scholarship is not fossilized in the past. Ekwuazi has continued to advance the discourse on Nollywood with his ongoing research and writings, as he both highlights its improvements and also critiques its oversights.