EU Touts Kannywood As Platform For Youth Development

The European Union (EU) has emphasised that Kannywood is a powerful platform for youth development, job creation and social transformation across northern Nigeria.

This position was reinforced during a visit by Team Europe diplomats to the Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is contributing to youth employment, education and economic opportunities across northern Nigeria.

The visit was also aimed at experiencing first-hand how quality entertainment can convey important social messages.

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.

It 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 that tells the story of a young girl determined to continue her education and become a medical doctor despite her family’s intention to marry her off.

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.

“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 to transform that potential into livelihoods and economic opportunities,” he added.

In his response, 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 the Films and Video Censorship Board had approved over 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 that provides a dedicated environment for efficient film production.

The managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, highlighted the industry’s economic significance, citing research that found film production to be the second-largest source of youth employment in Kano State, after agriculture.

He noted that the industry’s impact extends far beyond entertainment, creating livelihoods and supporting businesses throughout the value chain.

He also stated ongoing challenges facing the sector, particularly in distribution and access to production facilities, noting that the industry has increasingly adapted to digital platforms and online distribution channels as traditional DVD markets have declined.

The 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.