Nigeria and India have both attempted to use the film industry for development but in both cases the full potential of the medium has been stymied by lack of government support and a general feeling of disinterest among the nations' populations. But there are directors and producers in each country who are attempting to raise their voices above the commercially dominated noise of their respective country's cinema. Film could be a strong tool for development. It can be used to contribute to a feeling of nationhood, as a voice for national planning, to help teach necessary skills, to extend the effective market, to help people look to the future, and to prepare people to play a role in nation building. But without serious changes in the structure of government relations with the cinema in Nigeria and India changes may not come. A few directors and producers in each nation have started to use cinema for development, but their efforts must be fostered by the national government to be effective.
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