Diplomats visited Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is contributing to youth employment, education and economic opportunity across northern Nigeria. And to experience first-hand how a good entertainment can carry important social messages.
The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included ambassadors and deputies from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria.
The delegation 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.
Team Europe met filmmakers, actors, producers and regulators. They observed the production of Hindatu, a film telling a story of a young girl determined to continue her education and become a medical doctor despite her family intention to marry her.
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Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mignot stressed the power of visual and creative arts to influence people’s behaviour:
“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 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.
Executive Secretary of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, Mr Alhaji Abba El Mustapha noted that Kannywood plays an important role in promoting positive social values while creating opportunities for practitioners across the creative sector. He added that Films and Video Censorship Board, had approved more than 10,000 films over the years while supporting 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.
The delegation also toured Kano Film Village, a production facility developed by broadcaster and filmmaker Abdullaziz Dansmall, a dedicated production environment where films could be produced efficiently.
“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.”, Mr Dansmall said.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr Ali Nuhu, highlighted the industry’s economic significance, citing research that identified film production as the second-largest source of youth employment in Kano State after agriculture.
The industry’s impact extends far beyond entertainment, creating livelihoods and supporting businesses throughout the value chain.
He also highlighted ongoing challenges facing the sector, particularly around distribution and access to production facilities, noting that the industry has increasingly adapted to digital platforms and online distribution channels as traditional DVD markets declined.
Team Europe visit also came as the European Union expands its support for cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe through initiatives such as the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC), a €30 million programme supporting artist mobility, cultural spaces and collaboration between African and European creative professionals. The initiative reflects the EU’s growing recognition of culture and creative industries as drivers of economic opportunity, innovation and social development.
