By Our Correspondent
The 6-day Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF) concluded yesterday Saturday, wrapping up an exciting week with a grand finale. The 7th edition’s closing ceremony featured the presentation of prestigious awards to exceptional films from across Africa, honoring excellence in multiple categories.
In her speech in a vedio message from Paris, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, described KILAF as a remarkable events that unites African peoples’ culture and heritage.
The Minister further said KILAF aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed agenda for culture and economics growth.
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“Let me use this medium to commend the Founder of KILAF Festival, Mr. Abdulkareem Muhammad and his team for coming up with this great opportunity to promote our culture and values.”
“Film producers uses their platforms and talent to create awareness on certain issues on Government’s policies and other issues affecting society.
Federal Government is always ready to be part this initiatives.” Barrister Musawa stated.
Similarly in their separate remarks, Ali Nuhu Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation and Kaltume Bulama Gana Artistic Director/CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria said KILAF served as an avenue that promotes cultural identities in a multilingual Africa and developing world.
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They further said KILAF is beyond making a celebration alone but provides Africans to showcase their talent.
Also speaking, the Commissioner Internal Services, ECOWAS, Dr. Nazifi Darma expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the Festival.
He maintained that the the theme for this encapsulate with African journey to development.
He stressed that Language is a soul of the people, where knowledge is being transmitted, noting that cultural films is no doubt decolonising Africa.
He added that ECOWAS prioritizes cultural values of every member nation.
Earlier speaking, the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Commissioner Tourism and Culture, Hajiya Ladidi Ibrahim Garko urged film producers to focus more on issues bedeveiling the society such drug abuse, Child Abuse.
Governor Abba called youths to be self-reliant rather than depending on Government’s Job, emphasizing that People coming from different parts of the world and country and are making it in Kano.
He noted that Kano State Government is making a good efforts towards reviving cultural heritage.
Kano State Government is planning to revive Annual Cultural Event title Kalankuwa that is being conducted after the harvest of farm produce.
The event involved every body in hausa society across 44 LGAs this year. And next we will do it across the 19 Northern States and the following year 2027 we will sponsor it across the country.
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In a remark, Professor Emmanuel , Chairman Jurors Committee, explained that the 6 Jurors were directed to proceed with the job on the 15th July, 2024.
He further explained, “We received 511 films entries from 35 African 66 all over the Countries. We were unbiased and unitimidated by the work load.
During our job we did not consider tribes but professionalism in custume, culture, attire, cinematography and other features of film production.
Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Abdulkareem Muhammed the Founder of KILAF Festival and Managing Director of Moving Image expressed his appreciation to Federal Government, Ministry of Arts and Culture, ECOWAS, Kano State Governor, ACF, Bayero University Kano and other stakeholders for supporting his mission to enhance African Identity and Heritage.
There no way you see opportunity coming your way you look other way round, the stakeholders have no choice than to join the caravan.
“This is not the evening for entertainment alone but encourage our youth to produce indigenous film languages.”
Some of the Films honoured in different categories, include: Kaka from Nigeria, Mukola from Kenya, Unheard from Uganda, Chasing Sunset from South Africa, Blood and Rope, Nigeria, The Caller, Kenya and Yakubu Mohammed in Kaka best Actor for male category.
The 7th edition’s KILAF featured: Kilaf Conference ’24, Master Classes, African Kitchen and Panel Discussion.
Other activities include: Arts Crafts and Products Exhibition, ACF Kano Chapter Lunch, Nominees Dinner, Kano City Tour, Films Screening and Award Night
