A delegation of European diplomats has visited Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is creating jobs, building skills and expanding economic opportunities for young people across northern Nigeria, while also using entertainment as a platform for social change.
The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included ambassadors and deputy heads of mission from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria.
The team 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.
During the visit, Team Europe engaged with filmmakers, actors, producers and regulators, and observed 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 early.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mignot emphasized the transformative power of storytelling and creative arts.
“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.
He noted that creative industries go beyond cultural expression, serving as engines for employment, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
“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, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, highlighted Kannywood’s contribution to promoting positive social values while creating opportunities for professionals across the creative sector.
According to him, the Board has approved more than 10,000 films over the years and continues to support 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 established by broadcaster and filmmaker Abdullaziz Dansmall. The facility provides a dedicated environment for efficient film production.
Dansmall explained that the project was developed gradually using revenue generated from film productions.
“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 said.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, described the film industry as a major economic driver, 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 well beyond entertainment, supporting livelihoods and businesses across the value chain. He also highlighted challenges related to distribution and access to production infrastructure, while acknowledging the sector’s growing reliance on digital platforms following the decline of traditional DVD markets.
The visit comes as the European Union expands support for cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe through the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC), a €30 million initiative designed to promote artist mobility, strengthen cultural spaces and foster collaboration between African and European creative professionals.
The programme reflected the EU’s growing recognition of culture and the creative economy as key drivers of innovation, economic growth and social development.
