IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES (RJHCS )

E-ISSN 2579-0528
P-ISSN 2695-2467
VOL. 11 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/rjhcs.v11.no3.2025.pg29.43

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Preserving Nigeria’s Cinematic Heritage: Logical Processes to the Digital Restoration of Adamu Halilu’s 'Shaihu Umar'

Kudirat Ajoke Ayoola, Dr. Dan Ella, Oluleye Sunday King, Justina Omojevwe Akporherhe

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Abstract

This study investigates the logical processes involved in the digital restoration of Adamu Halilu's iconic film, Shaihu Umar. It explores how decisions made during the digital restoration process impact the outcome and its alignment with the preservation goals of the project. The primary aim is to assess the strategic role and impact of these processes in achieving high-quality audiovisual content while ensuring the film's longevity and cultural relevance. Digital restoration plays a crucial role in mitigating damage from repeated projections, extending the lifespan of cinematic catalogs, and expanding access to historically significant films. For Shaihu Umar, the study examines the interplay between analogue film restoration principles and digital restoration techniques, guided by Archival Theory and Restoration Ethics. It specifically evaluates whether standard practices in digital film restoration were effective in preserving the film’s original picture quality, color fidelity, and sound clarity. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study relied on secondary data collection, with insights from focused group discussions to achieve its objectives. Findings indicate a strong correlation between effective analogue restoration techniques and the success of digital restoration processes. The restoration of Shaihu Umar adhered to established ethical principles, ensuring the retention of its original aesthetic and technical qualities. The study concludes that the film restoration project of Shaihu Umar, requires unique and well-defined goals to ensure the achievement of project objectives. Recommendations emphasize the need for standard storage facility to safeguard cultural heritage and advocate for comprehensive training programs on digitisation and restoration techniques.

keywords:

Film Decay, Digital restoration, Nigerian films, cultural heritage, Shaihu Umar, audiovisual preservation, film archiving

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