About the Journal
About the Journal
The Hensard Journal of Film and Media Studies (HJFMS) is an international, peer-reviewed scholarly journal published by Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, lecturers, postgraduate students, media practitioners, policymakers and creative professionals to publish original and innovative scholarship in film, media, journalism, communication and related disciplines.
HJFMS gives particular attention to African and Global South perspectives while welcoming theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous and internationally relevant research from all regions of the world.
Aim of the Journal
The principal aim of HJFMS is to advance knowledge and encourage scholarly dialogue in film, media and communication studies. The journal seeks to connect academic theory with professional practice and promote research that contributes to media education, cultural understanding, policy development, technological innovation and sustainable social development.
Objectives
The journal seeks to:
- Provide a credible platform for disseminating original research in film, media and communication studies.
- Promote African and Global South scholarship within international academic discourse.
- Encourage interdisciplinary research connecting media with culture, society, politics, technology, education and development.
- Strengthen relationships between academic research and professional media practice.
- Encourage ethical, responsible and innovative approaches to media research and production.
- Support emerging scholars and postgraduate researchers in disseminating high-quality scholarly work.
Focus and Scope
HJFMS welcomes original manuscripts addressing established and emerging areas of film, media and communication. Relevant subject areas include, but are not limited to:
- Film theory, history, criticism and production
- African cinema and Global South media
- Television, radio and broadcast studies
- Journalism and mass communication
- Digital media and social media
- Documentary and photographic studies
- Visual culture and popular culture
- Advertising and public relations
- Political communication
- Development communication
- Health, environmental and risk communication
- Media law, ethics, policy and regulation
- Gender, identity and representation
- Indigenous, local and community media
- Audience, reception and cultural studies
- Communication for social and behavioural change
- Creative industries and media entrepreneurship
- Media education and literacy
- Mobile communication and digital journalism
- Artificial intelligence and emerging media technologies
- Film, media and communication research methods
Types of Manuscripts
The journal considers the following types of submissions:
- Original research articles
- Review articles
- Theoretical and conceptual papers
- Critical essays
- Case studies
- Book reviews
- Film reviews
Intended Audience
The journal serves researchers, university lecturers, postgraduate students, filmmakers, journalists, communication specialists, media professionals, cultural institutions, policymakers and others interested in film, media and communication.
Peer-Review Process
Every submitted manuscript undergoes an initial editorial assessment to determine its relevance to the journal, originality, academic quality and compliance with submission requirements. Manuscripts that satisfy the initial assessment are sent for independent peer review.
Reviewers assess manuscripts according to their originality, theoretical contribution, methodological soundness, quality of analysis, clarity of presentation, ethical compliance and relevance to the journal’s scope.
The final decision to accept, request revision or reject a manuscript rests with the editorial leadership of the journal.
Open-Access Policy
HJFMS supports the broad dissemination of scholarly knowledge. Published articles are made freely available to readers, subject to the copyright and licensing conditions adopted by the journal.
Open access improves the visibility, accessibility and potential impact of published research by allowing readers to access scholarly content without subscription barriers.
Publication Ethics
The Hensard Journal of Film and Media Studies is committed to academic integrity, editorial independence and responsible scholarly publishing. Authors, reviewers and editors are expected to observe internationally accepted principles of research and publication ethics.
Authors must:
- Submit original and previously unpublished work.
- Acknowledge all sources and contributions appropriately.
- Avoid plagiarism and duplicate publication.
- Report research methods, evidence and findings honestly.
- Avoid data fabrication, falsification and manipulation.
- Obtain appropriate ethical approval where required.
- Disclose relevant financial or non-financial conflicts of interest.
- Ensure that authorship accurately reflects substantial contributions.
Plagiarism and Originality
Manuscripts submitted to HJFMS must be original. The journal may screen submissions using plagiarism-detection software. Manuscripts containing plagiarism, improperly attributed material, duplicate publication or other serious ethical violations may be rejected or withdrawn.
Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
Authors, reviewers and editors must disclose any relationship or interest that could reasonably influence the research, review process or editorial decision. Relevant conflicts may be financial, professional, institutional or personal.
Copyright and Licensing
Copyright ownership, author rights, reuse permissions and licensing conditions are governed by the copyright and licensing policy displayed on the journal website and by the licence attached to each published article.
Privacy Statement
Names, email addresses, institutional affiliations and other personal information entered on the journal website will be used exclusively for the journal’s editorial and publishing activities. Such information will not be used for unrelated purposes or disclosed to third parties except where necessary for journal operations or required by law.
Publisher
Hensard University
No. 1 Nanaye Dickson Road
Toru-Orua, Sagbama LGA
Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Editorial Contact
Dr Thomas Uzah
Deputy Editor
Hensard Journal of Film and Media Studies
Telephone: +234 808 716 3203
Email: thomasuzah2014@gmail.com
