The Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF24) has received 511 films from 66 countries which 35 are from Africa showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the continent.
This announcement was made by Malam Abdulkareem Muhammad, Head of KILAF and CEO of Moving Image, during the third day of KILAF24 and the official launch hosted by Gwani and ACF members.
Muhammad revealed that the films came from a wide array from African countries, include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, and Benin Republic. “The countries represented include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, and Benin Republic,” he stated.
In Nigeria, apart from films in Pidgin, Igbo, and Hausa, there were submissions in minor languages such as Igala. “In Nigeria, apart from Pidgin, Igbo, and Hausa, films are also done in minor languages like Igala,” Muhammad added. He also noted the arrival of the Rwandan contingent, which further highlights the festival’s pan-African appeal.
Muhammad emphasized the importance of KILAF24 in encouraging the youth to produce films in their indigenous languages. “The idea of KILAF24 is to sensitize our youth who are in the film industry to produce films in their indigenous languages. This initiative aims to keep the languages alive and prevent them from being eliminated,” he explained.
The festival serves as a platform to foster social relevance between academics and practitioners, supporting an environment conducive to intellectual discussions. The partnership between BUK and Moving Image, which began in 2021, has been instrumental in making the annual conference a success. “Moving Image has gone the extra mile to ensure that the conference holds annually,” Muhammad noted.
Participants at the conference were drawn from different parts of Nigeria and other African nations, highlighting the event’s significance in promoting indigenous language films and cultural identity.
