83 Anthropomorphism and Intentionality in the Benin Language Video-Film in Nollywood: A Content Analysis of Okpaniya Osakue Stevenson OMOERA Department of Theatre & Media Arts, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria Email Addresses: omoera@yahoo.com, osakue.omoera@aauekpoma.edu.ng / osakueomoera@gmail.com Introduction The story of the Benin language video-film as a bustling aspect of Nollywood carries along with it certain folkloric tropes that the Benin people consider as an important part of their cultural heritage. Regardless of the genre, some Benin video-films employ anthropomorphism - the attribution of human characteristics and purposes, human traits, emotions, and intentions, to inanimate objects, animals, plants, or other natural phenomena, or to God - to communicate vital socio-cultural messages that reaffirm the cultural ethos and values of the Benin people. In this study, anthropomorphism, is considered This element, considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology (Hutson, 2012), is used among other theatrical /filmic resources by popular culture producers in the Benin video culture to provide audience-friendly templates for edutainment, socialization, therapeutic interventions and spiritual rejuvenation in Benin society. One important area that attracts many audiences‟ interest in African popular culture, with particular respect to Nollywood, is religion / African Renaissance • Indexed at: EBSCO, ProQuest, J-Gate and Sabinet • Accredited by IBSS. Vol. 14, (Nos. 3 & 4), Sept/Dec 2017 pp 83-99