Kannywood, Nollywood Not Against Me – Prince Daniel
Kano-based filmmaker Prince Daniel (Aboki) has dismissed claims suggesting that Kannywood rejected him due to his religion or ethnicity, clarifying that the industry has been a strong pillar of support in his career.
His response follows recent media reports that alleged both Kannywood and Nollywood distanced themselves from him based on regional and religious considerations. The filmmaker, who directed Mai Martaba, stated that he never granted an interview on the matter and that his comments were misinterpreted.
“For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me on the basis of ethnicity or religion. In fact, it has been my greatest pillar of support as a filmmaker,” Prince Daniel stated. “This was clearly demonstrated by the overwhelming support we received from our wonderful audiences during our cinema exposure, and from industry practitioners—both veterans and newcomers.”
He explained that during a recent event at Nollywood in Hollywood in Los Angeles, USA, he spoke about the challenges he faced while working on Mai Martaba and pursuing an Oscar nomination.
His remarks about being caught between the industry’s segmentation—where Kannywood saw his work as Nollywood and vice versa—were meant to highlight industry dynamics rather than suggest discrimination.
“I say with every sense of responsibility that I am a Nigerian filmmaker, though of northern extraction. I reside in Kano, where I practise my craft, springboarding from Kannywood. I have enjoyed immense support here, with no prejudice whatsoever,” he added.
Prince Daniel reaffirmed his dedication to the industry and its growth, pledging to collaborate with Kannywood’s founding figures to elevate filmmaking standards and challenge negative stereotypes about Northern Nigeria.
“I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the standard of our industry—telling our stories to the world and creating employment opportunities for our youth, far from the stereotypical narrative of the North as being synonymous with conflict and banditry,” he stated.
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