Kannywood Embraces Digital Future

Kannywood industry leaders convene to address digital lag, skills gaps, and reputation management, proposing AI integration, specialised film schools, and stronger public engagement

The “Kannywood Roundtable on Reputation Management and Digital Advancement” convened in Kano, offering a rare glimpse into the minds behind Nigeria’s northern film industry.

Also read: TAFTA Strengthens Women Creatives With Business Management Skills

Hosted by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) in partnership with NITDA, the event brought together writers, directors, producers, strategists, and regulators to discuss the future of Kannywood.

Notable attendees included novelist Zuwairiyyah Adamu Girei, Oscar-entry director Prince Daniel (ABOKI), producer Hassan Bin Isah, PROFDA President Nasiru B. Muhammad, and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award winner Hafizu Bello, among other industry veterans.

Associate Professor Dr Sule Yau Sule chaired the discussions, while Engr Mohammed Kabir Salihu delivered the keynote on behalf of NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa.

The roundtable examined Kannywood’s strengths and weaknesses amid technological change, audience expectations, regulatory pressures, and reputational challenges.

Key concerns included the industry’s slow adoption of digital tools, limited AI integration, shortage of skilled writers, and deficits in animation, sound engineering, and post-production.

Structural challenges such as regulatory friction, piracy, low remuneration, guild fragmentation, and gender imbalance were also highlighted.

Participants proposed actionable reforms, including partnerships with tech institutions, establishment of specialised film schools, mentorship programmes, better marketing strategies, and alignment with national digital economy policies.

They also recommended inter-agency collaboration for risk communication and national orientation, business model reforms, insurance schemes, intellectual property protection, and expansion of streaming partnerships.

Stakeholders agreed that Kannywood is more than entertainment—it is a cultural asset, source of youth employment, tool for social cohesion, and a soft-power instrument for Nigeria.

Also read: Delta State Students Advocate Waste Management For Cleaner Future

They emphasised that creativity alone is no longer sufficient; reputation, digitalisation, and strategic governance are essential for sustainability and global competitiveness.