By Ibrahim Ramalan
Only two weeks ago, a good number of kannywood actors and actresses, producers and directors have taken off for India to further study the art of film making and what have you, here are some of the experiences some of the beneficiaries have to share:
Hamisu Iyantama:
“I am happy to be here not for the fun of it, but for importance of acquiring much knowledge as a filmmaker. First the school, Asian Academy of Film and Television is one of the best film schools not only in India but in Asia as a whole. So we are privy to be exposed in some professional ways of learning an A-Z of film related matters, ranging from script to screen.
“It will give us a window to explore professional ways film techniques, production and exhibition. And I think it will go a long way to help in redirecting our course in Kannywood,” he said.
Lamido Iyantama is one of the founding fathers of Kannywood. He is an actor, producer and director. He ventured into active politics in 2006 and for governorship race on the platform of the Action Democratic (AD) during 2007 elections. His political ambition was thwarted after he was sentenced to 15 months in prison by a mobile court for not registering his film ‘Tsintsiya’ (The Broom) with the Kano State Censorship Board. He won his appeal at the Court of Appeal in Kaduna where he was acquitted. ‘Tsintsiya’ won the 2008 Zuma Award for Best Film on social issues.
Bashir Abdullahi Rijau:
“Originally, when the idea of this project came to me, I told myself that this will be good thing that will happen to Kannywood. Not for anything, but because we need to acquire wealth of experience in the field as stakeholders in the industry. Yes, one of the success stories here is that most of us who lack international flavour of filming have gotten the opportunity to see things for themselves as well expose to originality.
“New Delhi is a beautiful city, the environment is serene and enabling for students to have great knowledge of everything they need to know. And by time we come back, we shall see to the best of Kannywood,” he said.
Rijau is one of the Abuja based filmmakers. Over the time, he takes part in various film related activities. A professional graphic artiste, Rijau is known for his expertise in the entertainment business. He is one of organisers of the first ever successful movie awards, Savannah International Movie (SIM) awards held in Abuja, 2010. He produced and directed ‘Sarki Jatau,’ adapted from the works of the famous Dr. Abubakar Imam’s ‘Magana Jari Ce.’ He is the CEO of GrafArts Limited Abuja, also the Chairman, Arewa Filmmakers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN), Abuja chapter.
