Kannywood to the world!
The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood keeps growing and evolving as the years go by. It is no doubt one of the biggest film industries in Africa and the world at large. If the industry were to be divided along its regional and ethnic lines, one of its sub-divisions would be Kannywood–the Hausa language Cinema.
Kannywood has contributed its quota with its productions in the industry but not without conflict with Hausa culture and Islamic promulgations. However, this has not stopped Nigerian filmmakers from making movies that bridge the gap between Nollywood and Kannywood including beautiful works that show our cultural diversity.
The below-mentioned is a compilation of some of those movies which may not be completely Kannywood, but showcase a touch of it.
1. Milkmaid
The movie tells the story of a Fulani milkmaid, Aisha, in rural sub-Saharan Africa who is in search of her younger sister in the middle of a violent conflict but efforts to find her prove futile and complicated. The production takes us on a journey of how she approaches the religious militants responsible for their separation in the first place. It also showcases the elegance of the Fulani culture, the present plight of internally displaced persons amidst the militant insurgency in Nigeria and the threats posed by ignorance on the path of religious extremists. It does not fail to highlight the importance of economic and psychological rehabilitation and the need for social integration.
Written and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, the 2020 Nigerian drama was the last Nigerian film submitted by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Oscar Awards. The movie is presently streaming on Prime Video with a running time of 136 minutes.
2. Amina
The movie is based on the story of the 16th-century empire warrior queen; the events leading to her ascension to the throne of Zazzau, and how she used her military tactics and training to defend their family kingdom despite being born into a highly chauvinistic society. Amina was the first and most outstanding female Sarki in Nigerian history and Zazzau is said to be the ancient day Zaria, Nigeria.
The production design takes us to the ancient era with its recreation of ancient buildings, costumes and locations. Known for his directorial slate of movies set in ancient times, Izu Ojokwu wears the directorial badge for “Amina”. The movie also leads The African Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2022 (AMVCA) with 13 nominations winning categories of Best Overall Movie, Best Costume Designer, Best Sound Editor and Best Art Director.
3. Voiceless
The movie tells the story of a young girl who unexpectedly crosses the path of her soulmate when she gets abducted into a terrorist camp. It is a story of love and the power of dreams amid violence and terrorism in northern Nigeria. It highlights the struggle to regain freedom and the reaction of the society at large to the abductors, abductees and the children born from the union of the aforementioned revealing the vices of insurgency.
The story is based on an eye witness account with a running time of 111 minutes. The film was written by Jennifer Agunloye, directed by Robert O. Peters and produced by Rogers Time. The movie claimed the award of the Best Indigenous Language Movie (Hausa) at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) 2022.
4. Up North
The movie is the story of a rebellious young scion of a wealthy family who starts to find himself when he is sent on a one-year mandatory National Youth Service in Northern Nigeria. Mainly shot in Bauchi State, the movie did not fail to showcase the beauty of the state, the twist and blend of its culture. The lead actor, Bankole Wellington takes us on a tour around the state with the supporting cast.
The movie is quite relatable to Nigerian youths, especially with the NYSC scheme. The executive governor of Bauchi State at that time, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar also made his acting debut in this movie. It explores the theme of love, friendship and family politics with a star-studded cast. Starring alongside Banky W includes; Adesuwa Etomi Wellington, Ibrahim Suleiman, Rahama Sadau, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Hilda Dokubo.
5. Sons Of the Caliphate
The Nigerian political thriller drama television series is centered on the lives of three rich, entitled, passionate and ambitious young men all caught up in the lust of hidden corners of power, the heat of love, the darkness of addiction and their craving for revenge in the deadly tussle for the governorship seat of the northern caliphate state.
The 1st and 2nd season is made up of 26 episodes in all. The movie was directed by Kenneth Gyang and executive produced by Mo Abudu of Ebonylife TV with a nice blend of Nollywood and Kannywood stars which include; Yakubu Muhammed, Paul Sambo, Rahama Sadau, Mofe Duncan, Patrick Doyle and others.
#Unsolicited is a segment for reviews, opinion pieces and professional perspectives for various industries. This edition features 5 Nothern Based Nollywood Stories.
