Team Europe Explores Kannywood’s Role in Job Creation, Skills Development and Social Change in Northern Nigeria

Diplomats from Team Europe have visited Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is driving youth employment, education, economic opportunity and positive social change across Northern Nigeria.

The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria.

The visitors were 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, 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 early.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mignot emphasized the transformative power of storytelling and the 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 the creative industry extends beyond culture and entertainment, serving as a vital source of employment and entrepreneurship.

“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.

Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha highlighted Kannywood’s contribution to promoting positive social values while creating opportunities for professionals across the creative sector. He revealed that the Kano State Films and Video Censorship 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 where film projects can 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,” Dansmall said.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, underscored the industry's economic significance, citing research that identified film production as the second-largest source of youth employment in Kano State after agriculture.

According to him, the impact of the industry extends well beyond entertainment, creating livelihoods and supporting numerous businesses throughout the value chain.

He also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in film distribution and access to production infrastructure, while noting that the industry has increasingly adapted to digital platforms and online distribution channels following the decline of traditional DVD markets.

The visit comes as the European Union expands support for 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 important drivers of economic growth, innovation, social development and opportunities for young people across the continent.