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Ososami said he is more comfortable with companies that produce only Christian movies, such as Mount Zion Films and Freegift International.

"I am very uncertain about Nollywood's agenda in the Kingdom and what is behind it—apart from money, of course," he said.

International Church Growth Ministries began producing films in Nigeria two years ago to show to church leaders. "They are very effective in that they are practical to what is happening in the church and people adjust their lives by watching them," said president Francis Bola Akin-John. Watching a lesson is more effective than listening to one, said Akin-John.

Nollywood's Christian films offer revelations into what one of the world's fastest-growing Christian populations believe, Jenkins said. "When people are discussing splits within [Nigerian] churches, or moral issues, it helps to know the supernatural vision underlying some of these concerns. … If you went to America in 1800 and wanted to find out about the nature of their religion, you'd listen to the hymns. These videos also give you a good snapshot [of what Nigerians believe.]"

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CT's Movies Blog earlier looked at Nollywood Babylon, a documentary on Nigeria's film industry. An earlier article surveyed some of other African Christian films.

In 2006 the Associated Press looked at Redeemed Christian Church of God's role in Nollywood.

More articles on Nigeria and movies are available in our full coverage areas.

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November 2009, Vol. 53, No. 11