A delegation of European diplomats has toured Kano Film Village and expressed strong support for Kannywood's contribution to job creation, skills development, and economic expansion for young people across northern Nigeria.
EU Ambassador Leads Visit
The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, visited the facility to gain first-hand insight into how the Hausa-language film industry is fostering youth employment, education, and social development. The group included ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium, and Austria.
Team Europe was received by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu.
Observing Film Production
During the visit, the delegation met filmmakers, actors, producers, and regulators. They observed the production of Hindatu, a film about a young girl determined to pursue her education and become a medical doctor despite family pressure to marry.
Speaking during the tour, Ambassador Mignot emphasized the power of storytelling and creative arts in shaping attitudes and promoting positive social change. "Stories have the power to inspire change. Films that promote education, opportunity, and inclusion can spark important conversations and encourage positive change within communities," he said.
Creative Industries as Economic Drivers
According to Mignot, creative industries are not only cultural assets but also vital sources of jobs, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities for young people. "Creative industries are not only about culture. They are also about jobs, skills, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for young people. Across Nigeria, young people are demonstrating remarkable talent and creativity, and industries such as Kannywood are helping transform that potential into livelihoods and economic opportunity," he added.
Kannywood's Role in Social Values
Abba El-Mustapha said Kannywood continues to play a significant role in promoting positive social values while creating opportunities for practitioners across the creative sector. He noted that the board had approved more than 10,000 films over the years and has supported the industry through training programmes, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.
"Our role is not only regulatory. We also work with filmmakers to strengthen professional standards, support capacity development, and ensure that films contribute positively to society," he said.
Tour of Kano Film Village
The delegation also toured Kano Film Village, a production facility established by broadcaster and filmmaker Abdullaziz Dansmall to provide a dedicated environment for film production. Dansmall said the facility was gradually developed using revenue generated from its first major production, Gidang Haya.
"Our first major production was Gidang Haya. We used the revenue from that project to build little by little, expanding the facility over time. Our long-term ambition is to transform the site into a fully developed film village capable of supporting larger productions," he explained.
Economic Significance of Kannywood
Ali Nuhu highlighted the industry's growing economic significance, citing research indicating that film production is the second-largest source of youth employment in Kano State after agriculture. He said the industry's impact extends beyond entertainment, supporting livelihoods and businesses across the value chain.
Nuhu, however, identified distribution challenges and limited access to production facilities as some of the obstacles facing the sector. He noted that filmmakers have increasingly embraced digital platforms and online distribution channels as traditional DVD markets continue to shrink.
