Veteran Kannywood actor Usaini Sule Koki has called on government authorities and wealthy Nigerians who frequently criticise the Hausa film industry to invest in film production and help shape the kind of content they want to see.
Speaking in an interview with SolaceBase TV, Koki argued that many critics often accuse Kannywood of promoting inappropriate content without taking practical steps to support the production of films that reflect Islamic teachings and Hausa cultural values.
According to him, those with the financial means have a responsibility to support the industry rather than remain on the sidelines criticising filmmakers.
“I am calling on government authorities in this country to stop standing aside and saying Kannywood is doing the wrong thing whenever they speak on the media,” he said.
Koki urged wealthy individuals to channel their resources into filmmaking, saying such investments would enable them to influence the direction of the industry.
“They should bring out the wealth Allah has blessed them with and invest it in filmmaking. Then they can redirect the industry towards the kind of films they want to see,” he said.
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SolaceBase recalls that Kannywood has repeatedly come under public scrutiny over concerns about the content of some productions and the conduct of certain practitioners.
Most recently, the proposed establishment of a Film House in the Dorayi area of Kano generated public debate, with some residents expressing fears that it could negatively affect the moral fabric of their community.
The Kano State Government subsequently sealed the facility before it commenced operations.
The newspaper further recalls that years earlier, plans to establish the Kano Film Village also sparked similar opposition from some religious groups and community members, who raised concerns over its potential impact on the state’s cultural and religious values.
Against this backdrop, Koki maintained that meaningful reform would only come when those advocating change actively support the industry instead of limiting themselves to criticism.
“It is not possible for you to have the resources and keep them to yourself while people use the little they have to produce films, only for you to continue saying they are not doing the right thing,” he said.
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He argued that critics who genuinely desire a morally upright Kannywood should invest in productions that promote positive values rather than expecting struggling filmmakers to shoulder the responsibility alone.
According to the veteran actor, increased investment in films that promote moral values, Islamic teachings and Hausa culture would provide audiences with better alternatives and contribute to improving the industry’s image.
“I am calling on them to come forward with their resources and help clean up the industry,” Koki said.
He expressed optimism that greater collaboration between investors, filmmakers and other stakeholders would strengthen Kannywood and encourage the production of films that positively influence society while preserving the cultural and religious values of the Hausa community.
