From Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Censorship Board, Haj. Amina Ismail Maru, recently led a delegation to the Kilaf Film and Market Festival in Kano State.
The event, which took place at Bayero University Kano, featured a seven-day masterclass and film screening workshop aimed at promoting the activities of the Zamfara State Censorship Board and boosting the state’s film industry.
The tour was part of Haj. Amina’s continued efforts to foster growth in the film sector of Zamfara, with a particular focus on diversifying the industry and facilitating collaboration between different states.
Through the visit, the delegation sought to strengthen ties between Zamfara and Kano by exploring opportunities for cultural exchange, information sharing, and media development.
During her speech at the event, Haj. Amina encouraged women in the media business and the youth to leverage their talents for personal growth and the development of their communities.
She emphasized the role of creativity and innovation in the empowerment of young people and the broader state development.
“I urge the women and young people in the media industry to make the most of their talents for their self-esteem and to contribute positively to the growth of our state,” she stated.
She also expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Kano State government, noting that such interactions are vital for fostering a deeper understanding and cooperation between states.
The workshop, part of the KILAF festival, equipped participants with invaluable knowledge on film screening and other essential aspects of the film industry. It was designed to help participants, especially from the censorship board, develop strategies for regulating and screening films while focusing on maintaining moral standards in both visual and textual content.
The KILAF Festival, renowned as one of Africa’s premier events for advancing African cinema, featured dynamic film screenings, panel discussions, networking sessions, and masterclasses. It attracted filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Participants were also given a cultural tour of Kano, where they had the opportunity to explore ancient artifacts, paintings, and historical records related to Hanns Vischer, a British man known as Dan Hausa, who played a significant role in introducing Western education to Northern Nigeria.
The delegation’s visit underscored the importance of cross-state collaborations and provided valuable insights that could influence the future of the film industry in Zamfara and beyond.
