MTN Kanywood Award 2015: What it means for the Hausa Movie and culture
By
Musa Abdullahi
On
the 31st January (today), 2015, Kanywood industry will be marking
another event in collaboration with MTN titled “MTN Kanywood award” the second
of its kind.
Movies
actors, actresses and all key role players in the movie industry are already
trooping into the Nigerian capital to another blockbuster award night in the
history of this fastest quality improving-growing movie industry.
Until
recently, the industry faced with much hate from public and government despite
majority of viewers that include women and children as well as teeming youth.
It
is indisputable fact that the Role of Hausa movie industry is enormous notwithstanding
the ignorant or intentional rejection of facts from some people in the general
public and professional and known political servants.
The
industry generates millions of jobs and more opportunities to many jobless
youths and creative minds in northern Nigeria, Nigeria and even some African countries
like Ghana, Niger etc.
Some
of the youth in the industry both males and females are known with terrible
history dated back before joining the industry. However as they joined they
were renovated with focus to achieve certain level of personal development.
Some of them not only join to acting but also end up into acting and singing. A
creativity most of them not aware they possessed until they took part.
Although
it might also be the other way round but the industry also contribute greatly
in saving a number of marriages from separation and divorce. There are several
stories that couple involved and getting tired of themselves and even thinking
of separation but a certain movie depicted similar scenario that thought lesson
to both and solution generated as they
realized is not everyone fault among them. Such examples were sited at a number
of times by beneficiaries.
Apart
from entertainment enjoyed by Kanywood fans it also provides opportunities and
improve relationship. It is expected, in a long-term the cheering moment
created by comedy films in the industry can improve healthy life. More
especially during this worrying time such movies are hitting many people
screen. I must admit the fallen hero in this category will be missed and
non-replaceable character (Alhaji Rabilu Musa-Dan Ibro) may his soul rest in perfect
peace Ameen.
Looking
at the country social profile, Kanywood movies are one of the strategies that do
compete with the Nollywood (southern part movie makers or Nigerian filmmakers).
Although, the Hausa Movie industry aged Kanywood as “Turmin Danya” from
Kanywood was produced around 1990 while Nollywood around 1991 or 1992 produced
the “living in Bondage”. Also, despite lack of support to the industry of Kanywood,
the Nollywood enjoy comprehensive and strategic support from various sources
that include, companies, government to mention but few.
Although
various issues remain silent in the society and it continue eating up the
social system negatively. The movie industry exposes the maltreatment between couples
and cheating in order to understand and avoid such in the society. Due to globalization
and modernization, the Hausa language can also be sustained through the movie;
as it will contribute to support helping in restoring the language as well as attracting
many non Hausa speaking people to have interest in the Hausa language.
Despite
some of the highlights mentioned, the industry is facing some challenges that need
to be fully reviewed to come up with the solutions for the betterment of the
industry.
There
is Lack or inadequate proper support from government, institution and related
to the industry. Inadequate training and short course for most of the
practitioners. Plagiarism and piracy is eating up the industry and Poor funding
for the industry
The
industry doesn’t not seems to be encouraging volunteering, speaking for the
must vulnerable in the society. The society Lacks capacity on the art of
watching film and the need to create awareness for films to enlighten public on
film for adults, children, adults and children and the type that children needs
guide from adults.
There
is no comprehensive data available and accessible for the number of filmmakers
and related practitioners for proper planning and understanding the strength of
the industry.
The
industry various rivalry issues at individual and group levels aided the lack
of unified focus (despite some effort made) that separate followers including
artists and crew. Some stories are good
but rushing to write or produce affects the quality and message strongly.
Marketing situation of the industry still at infant stage, that needs effective
guide using practical and international experiences.
However,
some of the recommendations that should be considered should be more support
like that of Kano state government fort creating film institute. Improve more collaboration
like recent Kanywood and India for training. Improvement on technical aspect of
productions is necessary. There should be more consultation if for example want
to depict village life then a better understanding on how they are, lived and
how to act like real from script to shooting must be real. Experts should
review the story and the script before filming and after filming.
Note
that It doesn’t matter how long but effective and adequate planning for number of
days should be a priority to avoid rushing up from filming to editing. Also, strategic
policy with government support to punish offenders on piracy is very vital. Current
artists and filmmakers must be encourage and prioritize into the enrollment to
film institute initiated by Kano state government and other opportunities
related. Furthermore, opportunities of collaboration between the country or
state needs to engage with more committed persons in the industry.
Very
importantly, some of the artists and filmmakers must display good character wherever
they are. Remember, an artist is a role model and someone with a possibility to
be defaming at any moment. It affects
not only the person intentionally or unknowingly displayed it but the majority
of the innocent are also generalized with it.
Conclusively,
Today, the award will showcase and acknowledge the efforts of this group of
personality in the industry. Lastly, is
my sympathy message to Ali Nuhu over the destiny of armed robbers that attacked
him last night. May Allah continue to protect us and bring the double of what
is lost.
In
the team I am with Sani Maikatanga, Sadiq Taskira and Mukhtar from film
magazine.
