Establishment of film academy timely -Sadiq

Mansur Sadiq is an actor in the Hausa movie industry who appeared in couple of movies before moving into movie directing and producing. In this interview with Kano Chronicle, he speaks on his achievements in the business among other issues. It was reported that after your return to the industry you seems to have introduced […]

Mansur Sadiq is an actor in the Hausa movie industry who appeared in couple of movies before moving into movie directing and producing. In this interview with Kano Chronicle, he speaks on his achievements in the business among other issues.

It was reported that after your return to the industry you seems to have introduced changes in the film making business. Can you tell us what those changes are?
I left the industry to be one of the pioneers of Hausa TV channel that purely deals with Hausa movies in Abuja. I was opportuned to work with experts within and outside the country and that had given me the opportunity to acquire a lot of experience which I hope to replicate here in the industry.
There are lots of changes that I hope to introduce into the industry and these changes are in two folds. First I am at the verge of introducing Hausa and English magazines which will focus on the activities of the entertainment industry. Second, I have designed a capacity and promotional project on the strategic development measures geared towards the industry’s prosperity.
How has it been on your return to the industry so far?
When I returned, it was like picking up from where I left. The people are known to me and so also the rudiments of the business. So it was not hard for me to be back into the business full time and also the new experience I have gathered had accorded me with the necessary assistance I may require to meet-up. That was why from my return to date I have directed over fifty movies and it is apparent that Kannywood had recorded a lot of successes over the years.
Does that mean you did not face any challenge when you return?
No! I have taken time to study the industry carefully before rejoining. Some things have changed and I need to be abreast with what has changed and what has not. Though it did not take me much time to get to understand that, I indeed appreciate the development I noticed on my return.
How would you describe the industry now?
I will always maintain my stand that Kannywood as a movie industry is a child of necessity. What I mean by a child of necessity is that, this is an industry that emerges not as a formal business but as an informal outfit. Individual members were the ones that have given it shape and structure. However, the industry came into being because of the need to be self-reliant. And that is why when you look at the industry you will discover that over 95% of its members are youth.
The industry started without professionalism touch and yet it won the sympathy of the public and progress to what it is today. So when you talk about development, you need to understand that the development recorded in the Kannywood industry has never been recorded by any industry of its kind so far.
We have indeed reached a level that I can proudly say Kannywood has done it and has done it well; I could remember that the Hausa movie industry was once referred to as roadside film makers which I am sure they would not refer to it as that now.
As a practitioner how would you describe the recent establishment of a film academy in the state?
Even though the film academy is yet to start operation, I strongly believe that this initiative could not have come in better time than now. As I have said earlier the Kannywoood industry is a child of necessity and there is need for professionalism and other forms of modern technicalities. And I am sure members will embrace this golden opportunity of taking the industry to next level.
Are you working on any new movie now?
Yes, I am presently working on movies like Rashawa, Babban Mutum, Matar Soja and also working on our maiden edition of Taurari Awards which we hope to host this year.