Malam Abdulkareem Mohammed is the founder and chief executive officer of Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF). In his interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, he talks about the preparations and schedule of the festival which will take place in Kano on November 30, and many more.
Could you tell us about the preparations for the forthcoming KILAF ’24 Festival in Kano on November 30?
Yes, we are in the final stages of the preparations for the 7th edition of KILAF, scheduled for November 30. This year’s event promises to be enriching, engaging, and fulfilling. We’ve had an overwhelming response, with 510 global film entries submitted from 66 countries, including 35 from African nations. Out of these, 57 films from 16 countries have been nominated and are eligible to compete in 17 award categories.
That’s an impressive number of entries. Could you tell us more about the purpose and scope of KILAF?
KILAF was established in 2018 as the African continent’s premier indigenous languages film festival. It serves as a platform to promote films in indigenous languages while encouraging their cross-border sales and recognition. Over the years, we have attracted participants from across the globe, fostering a united African front for the creative arts, economy, culture, and tourism. This year’s event will continue to build on that Foundation.
What activities should participants expect at this year’s festival?
The festival will run for five days and feature a wide range of activities aimed at promoting interactions and collaborations among creators. These include film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions. We will also have a welcome dinner for all participants, which will be hosted by Governor Abba Yusuf. It’s an excellent opportunity for participants to network and discuss the future of African indigenous language films.
How do you see KILAF contributing to the African film industry, particularly in the context of indigenous language films?
KILAF is not just a festival; it is a movement that highlights the cultural richness of Africa through films. By providing a platform for indigenous language films, we encourage filmmakers to tell authentic African stories in their native languages. This also opens up opportunities for cross-border collaborations and sales, contributing to the growth of the African film industry as a whole.
Finally, what are your hopes for the future of KILAF?
We aim to keep growing and attracting even more global attention to indigenous language films. Our goal is to continue creating a conducive platform for filmmakers, while strengthening the cultural and economic ties between African countries. We hope that KILAF will become a driving force in the global film industry, where African stories are celebrated and shared widely.
Thank you for your time, Malam Abdulkareem. We look forward to the festival!
Thank you. We’re excited to welcome everyone to Kano for KILAF ’24!