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Nigerian actor and filmmaker Uzee Usman has called for deeper collaboration between Kannywood and Nollywood, saying both industries can achieve greater creative and commercial success if they work more closely together.
Speaking in a recent interview, Usman reflected on his journey in the film industry, explaining that his passion for storytelling began at a young age.
According to him, he was drawn to how stories have the power to influence emotions, shape opinions, and connect people across different backgrounds.
He said Kannywood was the foundation of his career, describing it as a space that helped him stay connected to his cultural identity, language, and roots.
Nollywood, he added, later expanded his opportunities and exposed him to a wider audience as well as more diverse storytelling styles.
Over time, he noted that his focus shifted from simply acting to creating films that carry meaning, impact, and long-term value.
Usman explained that working across both Kannywood and Nollywood requires flexibility and cultural awareness. He compared it to being multilingual, saying filmmakers must know how to adjust their approach depending on the industry they are working in.
While Kannywood often emphasizes cultural depth and tradition, Nollywood tends to explore more experimental and global storytelling methods.
The actor also highlighted his recent project titled MAFARKI, which translates to “dreams.” He described the film as a reflection of ambition, struggle, and perseverance in a society where many young people face obstacles while trying to achieve their goals.
According to him, the project was inspired by real-life experiences and aims to encourage viewers to stay committed to their dreams despite challenges.
He explained that the production process came with several difficulties, including limited funding, logistical issues, and unpredictable conditions. However, he noted that the team remained focused on the vision and worked creatively to overcome those challenges without compromising the quality of the project.
Usman praised the steady growth of Kannywood over the years, especially in terms of storytelling quality, technical improvement, and production standards.
He said the industry has moved from simple traditional narratives to more complex and layered stories that are beginning to attract attention beyond northern Nigeria.
According to him, Kannywood has the potential to contribute significantly to the global rise of Nigerian cinema if properly supported. He stressed the importance of improving production quality, expanding distribution channels, and adding subtitles to make films more accessible to international audiences.
A major part of his message focused on collaboration between Kannywood and Nollywood practitioners. He urged filmmakers to move beyond individual efforts and instead pursue joint productions, shared investments, and creative partnerships that reflect the diversity of Nigerian culture.
He said such collaboration would not only strengthen storytelling but also help position Nigeria as a stronger voice in the global film industry. In his view, combining the strengths of both industries would result in more powerful and culturally rich productions.
Usman also appealed to government authorities in northern Nigeria to invest more in the entertainment sector.
He called for improved funding, better infrastructure, and training programs for upcoming filmmakers. He further emphasized the need for policies that protect intellectual property, which he described as essential for sustainable industry growth.
He noted that the film industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to economic development if adequately supported.
According to him, young people in particular stand to benefit from a more structured and well-funded creative sector.
Speaking to upcoming actors, Usman advised them to remain disciplined, patient, and committed to continuous learning.
He warned against rushing the process of fame, stressing that long-term success is built on consistency, professionalism, and dedication to craft.
He also emphasized that attitude plays a major role in career growth, noting that talent alone is not enough to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, Usman expressed his desire to build a lasting legacy beyond acting. He said he hopes to continue producing impactful films, mentoring young talents, and creating platforms that allow new voices to emerge in African cinema.
Ultimately, he added that his goal is to contribute to telling African stories on a global stage while leaving the industry better than he met it.
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