How I directed Kannywood’s most expensive film – Giggs

Weekend Magazine: How did you come by the name, Hassan Giggs?It was about 20 years ago, when I was playing football. People at the time referred to me as Ryan Giggs who was a midfielder in Man City and later Manchester United where he is now an Assistant Manager. Co-incidentally, we played the same position. […]

Weekend Magazine: How did you come by the name, Hassan Giggs?
It was about 20 years ago, when I was playing football. People at the time referred to me as Ryan Giggs who was a midfielder in Man City and later Manchester United where he is now an Assistant Manager. Co-incidentally, we played the same position. Then my friends began calling me Taye Giggs. Taye was my name at the time. When I embraced Islam then I changed it to Hassan Giggs.
WM: How did you get into the movie industry?
I came into the industry 17 years ago. I started as a film editor. My first film was ‘Jahilci yafi hauka’ which was made in 1995. I was a liner editor then.
I have always had a passion for film ever since I was young. So I decided to come in and make my own little contribution to the growth of the industry. I later went on to become a cinematographer which is the director of photography.
Later on, in 2001, I went to film school, Excel Film School and Digital Production, to get more knowledge. It is an international organisation that came down to Nigeria then to help us improve our skills.
In collaboration with the Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) they came into Nigeria to teach us some techniques which have proved very useful to me. In 2004 I directed my very first film ‘Alkuki’.
In 2013, the New York Film Academy came to Nigeria to help us again with other modern technology in filmmaking. So I was selected as one of the beneficiaries and really gained from the experience.
Education for me did not stop there because I make sure I attend ‘Shoot’ every year, organised by the National Film Institute, Jos.
WM: Why did you settle for the Hausa film industry?
I was born in Kano. I’ve known no other place like I know Kano, in my entire life. I know the culture and everything asides the fact that I speak Hausa fluently.
What influenced my decision to settle for the industry is the way they make films. This caused me to want to be a part of it to contribute my own quota.
WM: What is the motivation or deciding factor behind the films you make?
Above everything else, it is superior quality and performance. And I make films with a set target audience in mind. I make films to make money and most of the time I love to use stories that will change my audience’s attitude. I like to be different.
WM: You have had experiences from the likes of Ishaq Sidi Ishaq and the late Tijani Ibrahim, how did these all affect you and how do they play out in your works?
I really can’t describe it more so because Tijjani Ibrahim was my mentor and motivation to go as far as I have in the industry. I love his films. At the beginning, he would repeatedly tell me ‘Giggs you can do it’. I have so much respect for him. The news of his death was shocking to hear. But we have no choice than to pray for him.  From God we came and to Him we shall return. Ibrahim’s legacy leaves on.
WM: Why did you settle for directing not acting or scripting or any of the other areas of production?
I love creativity that’s why I settled to be a director. Nevertheless I still handle cameras till date, because most of our directors still kind of do the same thing. Some are not technically sound, but are still very good at what they do. For instance, Aminu Saira is doing a good job, Falalu Dorayi, Ali Gumzak and Sadiq Mafia. These are all good directors who have made their in the industry. So far I have directed 20 films including ‘Alkuki’, ‘Gabas’, ‘Bayajidda’, ‘Sama’, ‘Suna’, ‘Mutane’, ‘Tururuwa’, ‘Wani hanin ga Allah’, ‘Karai’ and ‘Hindu’.
WM: Which is the most difficult film you have made?
That is definitely ‘Hindu’. There were so many challenges with the costuming and getting the actors to look right for the various scenes. A lot of the scenes had special effects. This more than anything else, even the finances, was a major challenge.
We were also lucky, in the sense that, everything we asked for, the producer gave to us. ‘Hindu’ is the most expensive film in the history of Kannywood. We had to build the entire village to look exactly as we wanted.
WM: You direct videos for songs and movies. Which is the most interesting and which is the most challenging?
The most interesting part is the music videos. When you’re hot you just have to chill with the music. (Laughter) But with the movies you need to think a lot deeper than you would with songs. At times, if am upset I just call my actors and my entire crew members and we take a music brake.
WM: Which of your works is the most popular?
‘Hindu’ and I see it becoming a blockbuster. There is also ‘Saki Kowa’.
WM: Did you imagine it would become such a hit?
With all modesty, I say yes. It was evident that it would be big from the very first day. You can’t imagine the scramble by literarily all directors to be a part of ‘Hindu’. I feel really lucky to have been the chosen one. Also, my recent film, ‘Sai Kowa’ has received a lot of accolades and fetched me the awards for ‘Best Music, Best Special Effects, and Best Editor.
WM: You have been in movie production for almost two decades now. How would you rate Kannywood?
We’re improving in terms of technical aspects, but some of our directors need to go back and learn the trade. Some are talented but don’t know the movie language.
WM: Do you have a say on who makes up your cast?
Yea I have. Before I direct any film I have to read the script. After reading the script I start having the feelings about the character of the film and who would fulfil and interpret the role best. We usually have pre-production meeting before any production.
WM: Who have you enjoyed working with the most?
Ali Nuhu.  He doesn’t have any problem.
WM: Who do you look forward to working with?
Any actor that will give me what I want, to interpret my character very well.
WM: What kind of movie are you looking to produce that you haven’t yet had a chance to do?
Horror film
WM: What’s your favourite part of being a director?
The plot of the story line
WM: Is there anyone in the industry whom you would say gives you a run for your money?
Well, there are some who consider me a role model as some others think I’m a threat to them.
I just do my thing, really, and don’t think about anyone else. I just do my job. I think at this stage I have contributed a lot to the growth of the industry.