Скачать или смотреть CULTURAL PRESERVATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE POWER OF DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

In an age where globalization, fast content, and digital trends threaten to blur local identities, documentary filmmaking has emerged as a powerful tool for cultural preservation. On this episode of The Eastern Eye, we explore how storytelling through film can protect heritage, challenge dominant narratives, and reconnect societies to their roots.

Our guest is Michael Chineme Ike, an acclaimed Nigerian documentary filmmaker whose work has drawn global attention for its depth, sensitivity, and cultural authenticity. From the timeless Igbo folklore of Mike Ejeagha to the vibrant, complex streets of Lagos, Michael’s lens captures more than images, it preserves memory, language, identity, and lived experience.

In this conversation, we examine how documentary storytelling differs from oral traditions and written records, and why film has become such a compelling medium for preserving culture in the digital age. Michael opens up about what inspired “The Legend of Mike Ejeagha”, the responsibility of telling real stories, and the delicate balance between artistic expression and factual accuracy.

We also delve into the broader role documentaries play in challenging stereotypes about African cultures, amplifying indigenous voices, and reshaping how Nigerian identities are understood globally. Michael speaks on engaging communities ethically, navigating representation and authenticity, and the importance of informed consent in cultural storytelling.

A major highlight of the discussion is the Igbo concept of “Omenala” tradition and culture and how it informs Michael’s approach to filmmaking. We also explore the urgent need to preserve indigenous languages like Igbo, the impact of technology and streaming platforms on cultural preservation, and the connection between culture, storytelling, and economic empowerment within communities.

This episode is both reflective and forward-looking, examining how filmmakers can preserve the past while still allowing room for social progress and change. For emerging creatives, Michael shares practical advice on telling culturally grounded stories with integrity, respect, and global relevance.




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