معرفی
Chijioke Azuawusiefe is a Lecturer in Religion and Communication Studies at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, alongside advanced degrees from Harvard University, London School of Economics, University of Southern California, University of Zimbabwe, and others. His research focuses on the interplay of media, religion, and culture in African and diasporic contexts, with special attention to Nollywood cinema. He directs communications for the North-West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus and consults at the Nollywood Media and Research Center, Lagos.
Education:
- PhD, University of Pennsylvania
- MA, Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania
- MLA, Journalism, Harvard University
- MSc, Global Media and Communications, LSE
- MA, Global Communication, USC Annenberg School
- BA (Hons.), Philosophy, University of Zimbabwe
- BA, Communication Science, University of South Africa
- BA, Theology, Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Research Interests: Azuawusiefe examines how Nollywood films construct religious everydayness in Nigeria, blending cinema studies and religious analysis. Key themes include gender representation, religion in African popular culture, and the intersection of media with politics and public life. His work explores material and visual culture, Christianity’s role in contemporary Africa, and issues of gender/sexuality.
Professional Activities: He teaches courses on religion and media, serves as a teaching assistant for courses like “Islam in the Modern World,” and publishes widely on Nollywood’s cultural and social impact. Recent articles analyze topics such as ritual killings in Nigerian cinema, Pentecostalism’s cinematic portrayal, and gender narratives in films like Snail-Sense.
Affiliations: Azuawusiefe belongs to the International Society for Media, Religion, and Culture; Society for Cinema and Media Studies; African Studies Association; and Igbo Studies Association, reflecting his interdisciplinary engagement across media, religion, and African studies.
