Why I invested N12m in movie – Al-Kinana

Abdallah Tahir Ahmad, popularly known as Al-Kinana, recently returned to Nigeria and he has invested over N12 million in the production of a Hausa movie, ‘Kukan Karshe.’ The producer talks about the reason behind the production of this movie among other issues. Weekend Magazine: What’s the reason for your going into movie production? Abdallah Tahir […]

Abdallah Tahir Ahmad, popularly known as Al-Kinana, recently returned to Nigeria and he has invested over N12 million in the production of a Hausa movie, ‘Kukan Karshe.’ The producer talks about the reason behind the production of this movie among other issues.

Weekend Magazine: What’s the reason for your going into movie production?
Abdallah Tahir Ahmad: Movie has been part of my dreams for a while. I remember while in Saudi, I regularly visited some Arabian movie production locations and saw how things were done. That made me to develop interest in movie-making. However, when I returned to Nigeria I assessed the Hausa movie; through Salisu Mohammed, known in the industry as Officer. I also took my time to thoroughly study the industry and after that I went scouting for good scripts. That was how I came across this story which I believe will surely give Kannywood a new outlook and a new sense of belonging. Moreover, I went into advertisement practice upon my return from Saudi and that has also accorded me the opportunity to make comparative analysis on the needs of the industry and that of patronage.
WM: How did you find the industry?
Ahmad: I know it is not easy being in the private sector and I am also aware that it is not easy getting acceptance from the people who are already in the system. But as I earlier said, I spent a good amount of time studying the movie sector. I cultivated a strong friendship with the operators and that made it easier to get accepted. I was introduced by a reputable member of the industry and most of the practitioners have been very cooperative in seeing that this new movie becomes a success. I can boldly state here that I did not encounter any difficulty that I couldn’t overcome.
WM: Tell us a little about this movie, ‘Kukan Karshe’?
Ahmad: Kukan Karshe literarily means, ‘The last cry.’ It is a movie based on an act of blackmail and in this context it is political blackmail, against a good and dedicated president based in a democratic setting. We have tried to copy the Nigerian system of governance in which we have tried to portray the federal government, the security agencies and all principle actors in line with how they operate in real life situations.
In this movie we have solicited the support of the police, Road Safety and the army, especially with their frequent misrepresentations in most of our movies. This is a movie that will lift the Hausa movie standard and the first of its kind to feature some security agencies in their real form in terms of costume. It is a movie that explains a lot of untold stories of government activities and also it has a multi-faceted dimension in terms of content composition.
WM: Who make up the cast?
Ahmad: There are about 87 casts and the lead roles are played by Sadiq Sani Sadiq and Kabiru Maikaba while Samira Saje plays the lead actress. We also have actors like Shehu Hassan Kano, Mikhai’il bn-Hassan and Bashir Kaya among others.
WM: When will it be released?
Ahmad: We have finished all arrangements to release parts one and two into the market soon and we are also working on the third and fourth parts. However, the movie was shot in Kano, Jigawa and some parts of Niger Republic.