Filmmakers In Nigeria’s Kannywood Risk Jail For Depicting Violence

Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood filmmakers have been told they face potential imprisonment if their work depicts violence or includes cross-dressers, as the Kano state’s censorship unit says it wants to protect society as films play a huge role in shaping behaviour.

The bans stemmed from public grievances amid growing concerns over violent crime, with authorities emphasizing that cross-dressing is not culturally accepted. Kano authorities are pressured to address a surge in gang-related robberies.

“Whether we like it or not Kano has a thug problem and films contribute to it by their portrayals and it is where some learn how to go about it,” said the censorship unit head, Abba al-Mustapha, in a video shared on social media.

Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, enforces both Sharia and secular laws. Mustapha highlighted that cross-dressing contradicts local norms.
It is often used for comedic effect in films.

Directors with completed films containing prohibited scenes have a month to revise them.

However, he said that films already in circulation would not have to be withdrawn.

“We can’t control what has happened in the past but we can draw a line from now and make things better which we hope to do.”

Film director Aminu Mukhtar Umar said the bans might stifle creativity and freedom of expression which is the backbone of any movie industry.

“The better way to do this would’ve been to bring in experts on these issues to meet with Kannywood writers so that knowledge would be gained on how to go about it.”

Mr Umar had issues with the censorship unit in 2022 for his film Makaranta, which was deemed immoral.

The film addressed topics like sex education and female genital mutilation.

Inspired by India’s Bollywood, Kannywood emerged in the 1990s, known for its incorporation of music and dance.

Centered in Kano, it adheres to state regulations, even for films produced elsewhere.

Though overshadowed by Nollywood, Kannywood remains prolific, with its films reaching audiences across Hausa-speaking regions.

In order to comply with Sharia, male and female actors are not allowed to touch each other even if they are portraying a husband and wife.

Melissa Enoch

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