By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – A delegation of European diplomats has visited the Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into the growing role of Kannywood in promoting youth employment, education and economic development across Northern Nigeria.
The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, comprised ambassadors and deputy heads of mission from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria.
The diplomats were received by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, alongside the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu.
During the visit, Team Europe engaged with filmmakers, actors, producers and regulators, while also observing the production of Hindatu, a film that tells the story of a young girl determined to pursue her education and become a medical doctor despite pressure from her family to marry at an early age.
Speaking during the tour, Ambassador Mignot highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and the creative arts in shaping societal values and influencing positive behavioural 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.
The EU envoy further noted that the creative industry represents more than cultural expression, describing it as a vital source 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,” Mignot added.
In his remarks, Alhaji El-Mustapha said Kannywood has become a powerful platform for promoting positive social values while creating employment opportunities for thousands of practitioners across the creative sector.
According to him, the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board has approved more than 10,000 films over the years and continues to support industry growth through training programmes, workshops and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
“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 stated.
The delegation also toured the Kano Film Village, a production facility established by broadcaster and filmmaker Abdullaziz Dansmall. The facility provides a dedicated environment for film production and is being gradually expanded to support larger-scale projects.
“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,” Dansmall said.
Also speaking, Ali Nuhu underscored the economic importance of Kannywood, citing research that identified film production as the second-largest source of youth employment in Kano State after agriculture.
He noted that the industry’s impact extends beyond entertainment, supporting numerous businesses and livelihoods along the creative value chain.
Nuhu, however, pointed to persistent challenges facing the sector, particularly in film distribution and access to production infrastructure. He observed that the industry has increasingly embraced digital platforms and online distribution channels following the decline of the traditional DVD market.
The visit comes as the European Union expands cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe through initiatives such as the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC), a €30 million programme designed to support 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 key drivers of economic growth, innovation and social development across the continent.
