Kano censorship board, film producer at loggerheads over new film teaser

A forthcoming movie has set a filmmaker and authorities in Kano on a cat and mouse chase.

The recent release of the teaser of ‘Makaranta’, a film produced by Aminu Umar Mukhtar, has sparked a debate in the Kannywood industry on the film’s eligibility to be allowed to air.

• NAFDAC impounds 80 bags of unhealthy wheat in Gombe
• Super Eagles and money for goals: Patriotism or ‘monetariotism’?

The film’s teaser had generated discussions on social media platforms and other platforms, especially in Kano State. The teaser had made the Kano State censorship board to declare both the producer and director of the movie wanted. The film ‘Makaranta’ which literally means ‘The school’ is alleged to be promoting immorality.

The Executive Director of Kano censorship board, Malam Na’abba Afakallah, said following the outrage on the suspected film’s content, the board declared Mukhtar wanted after it had sent a series of invitations to the filmmaker, which he said the film producer did not honour.

He said the producer had once promised to show up at the board’s office but failed, adding that the board had invited him over the alleged immoral content of the movie and the fact that the project did not get the board’s approval before going public. 

“The truth is that the whole process of that film did not get the backing of the board. Even the trailer currently circulating ought to have been vetted by us. That way, we can say remove this part or that, but the filmmaker did neither of that, and since he failed to respect the invitation extended to him by the board, we are compelled to do the needful and that is to follow the law establishing the board,” said Afakallah.

It was also gathered that the apex body in Kannywood – the Artists’ Guild, has also distanced itself from the said film. The chairman of Kannywood artists guild Alasan Kwalle had issued a statement saying that Kannywood has nothing to do with the said film that has been causing commotion in the industry.

When contacted over the matter, the producer of the film, Aminu Umar Mukhtar, said despite writing stories for people in Kannywood, he has never been a member of Kannywood, adding that his relationship with the film industry wasn’t that well pronounced.

“My scope is wider than that of being restrained to a particular spot; perhaps that was why I didn’t find it fit to be a member. I have never been a member of Kannywood,” he said.

Aminu, a graduate of Business Administration from the Kaduna Polytechnic, has authored over ten Hausa prose and written several stories that were converted into films. 

Apart from acquiring a certificate on film skills from an institution in the USA, he is also a member of International Script Writers Association, a member of a Hollywood-based association called Stage 32 and also a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which he said he joined when he was just 15 years old.

The producer said the Kano State censorship board lacks any legal backing to declare him wanted, adding that his film is aimed at addressing social vices and not to promote it.

“The film in question is called ‘Makaranta’ which literally means ‘The School’. It is a film produced with the sole theme of addressing social issues that range from genital mutilation, basic sex education, rape, girl-child education, violence against women, STDs, high rate of divorce, among other social issues.

“Our film is based on what is currently happening in society; it is a film that tells the story as it is. We are not doing anything alien to our day-to-day activities. What we exhibited in the film is what is really happening and we believe if the truth must be told, then it should be told the way it is,” he revealed.

Aminu added that the board failed to understand that his film is not meant for only Nigeria as it has been produced based on international standard.

“Unlike what the public was meant to believe the film is doing more good to the society than harm; this is a film produced not for the Hausa’s alone but for the entire African continent and we will not relent from our aim.

“Over 17 languages have been used in the film. We believe Nigeria as a nation should focus more on solution-based films that address social issues in our country. This is what we are doing and we will continue to do it because someone has to start somewhere and that is what we are doing,” he added.

It was, however, gathered that the producer has since relocated from Kano to an undisclosed location within the country due to what he termed as threat to his life by authorities in Kano State. He explained that he will not relent in his effort to continue with his film and nothing will stop him from what he is doing as a film producer.  

When contacted, the state Hisba Public Relation Officer (PRO), Lawan Ibrahim Fagge, said though the board lacks jurisdiction to arrest the producer even though the film is said to have gone contrary to religious dictate as well as the norms and values of the state, the board is in total support of the state censorship board’s stand on the matter.

He explained that the board on its part will ensure that no cinema or viewing centre in the state shows the film. He added that the board had also urged the state government to collaborate with relevant authorities like NBC to ensure that the said film doesn’t see the light of the day.