Kamilu Ibrahim is an artist, a script writer, a director and a producer known in the Kannywood as Dan Hausa. In this interview with Weekend Trust, the producer talks about his mission in the industry among other things.
Who is Dan Hausa?
My name is Kamilu Ibrahim born 31 years ago, and people in the filmmaking industry know me as Dan Hausa. I was born in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano state. After my formal education, I got trained at the High Definition Film Academy in Abuja, SAE Institute, and also took part in the U.S. Embassy’s Filmmaking for Impact program. After completion of several trainings, I joined the kannywood filmmaking industry and started directing in 2017. That was how I ventured into the industry and it has been one good story or the other ever since I joined the industry.
Why film directing, when you can be an actor?
My journey into the entertainment sector began with my love for storytelling; I started as a scriptwriter, then worked closely with experienced filmmakers in the industry before directing my first film. Over the years, I have learned that directing isn’t just about cameras and lights, but it is about understanding people, culture, and the power of narrative ability.
However, while growing up, I came to learn how films could educate and inspire people. In Arewa, to explore our talents, cinema is more than entertainment; it’s a mirror of the larger society. I want to use that mirror to reflect our values, challenges, and hopes. That desire to make meaningful films kept me moving and finally succeeded in pushing me into directing.
What is your motivation in today’s Kannywood?
For me, it’s merging modern cinematic techniques with our Hausa cultural identity. I love bold visuals and tight storytelling, but I never want to lose that traditional heartbeat of my origin, I am a Hausa personality and I will not fail to show that in my films. My goal has always been to raise our production quality to international standards while staying true to our roots’, you can see the proof of that in my current and biggest project, ‘Wata Shida’.
How would you describe your directing style?
I like to call my style ‘realism with purpose.’ I focus on authenticity in every scene, every performance; every frame must feel true to life. But I also ensure that there’s always a message, something the audience can take home and reflect on.
What are some of your notable works?
Some of my notable works include, Wata Shida which is currently airing and the feedback we are receiving shows that the film has an overwhelming response from the public and there are others like Lulu Da Andalu a myth-inspired adventure series showing on AREWA24 and YouTube.
It will interest you to note that YouTube is what pushed us to think bigger in terms of story and production. My film Mijin Hajiya earned me Best Director at the 2024 Kano Entertainment Awards, while Tataburza made waves at film festivals. Earlier films like Bakon Yanayi (2019) and my debut Kulba Na Barna (2017) helped me define my style. However, my latest project, Amaryar Lalle which starred actress Rahama Sadau, it is good to understand that each project is a step forward in showing what Kannywood can achieve.
What awards and recognitions have you earned?
I have also been recognised by the Arewa5050 Awards and Kaduna International Film Festival (KIFF) for Lulu Da Andalu, which even won Best Indigenous Hausa Film. There is also an AMVCA nomination for best African indigenous language, which is exciting because it means Hausa stories are getting wider attention.’
Who are your key collaborators?
Filmmaking is teamwork and single individuals can’t succeed in the sector without effective collaboration. Prominent actor and singer TY Shaba have been a creative partner on several projects that I have executed, especially on Lulu Da Andalu. I have also worked with Rahama Sadau on Amaryar Lalle.
What themes do you usually explore in your films?
I like telling stories where modern life clashes with traditional values, family conflict, cultural identity, gender roles among others. These are real issues in our society, and I try to explore them honestly but cinematically. I believe film should make people feel and also think right.
What is your next project?
I am working on Wata Shida Season 2, it is a story about a woman who enters a six-month sham marriage to protect her inheritance. It’s a socially meaningful but also very entertaining film. I am currently working on the continuation of season 2 of ‘Amaryar Lalle.’
Can you tell us a little about your latest project?
This latest project of mine is very close to my heart. It follows a story of a young girl fighting to get educated in a society full of obstacles that ranges from socio-religious huddles. However, through her character we see how family, tradition, and resilience collide, and how hope can survive even in the harshest situations.
What inspired you to make this story?
Growing up, I saw so many bright young girls whose dreams were cut short just because they were girls. I felt a sense of responsibility to tell this story as a fiction, but as a mirror of what is happening around us.
How do you balance tradition and modernity in your work?
It’s about understanding and respect for traditions. I respect our traditions, but I also embrace new technology and ideas. In my films, I make sure traditional values are represented truthfully, while using modern techniques to improve production quality.
What challenges do you face as a director in Kannywood?
Budgets are often limited, and resources can be scarce. But the biggest challenge is sometimes societal misunderstanding of what we do as filmmakers. People forget that film is also an art form and a tool for change, not just entertainment.
What advice would you give to aspiring directors?
Learn the craft and don’t rush. Watch other people’s films, study scripts, spend time on set even if it’s just to observe. Most importantly, stay humble and focused. Filmmaking is about patience, teamwork, and vision.
How would you want to be remembered?
I would want to be remembered as someone who had tried to blend two conflicting concepts in making one single and meaningful piece. That is how I would want to be remembered.