The United States Embassy in Abuja yesterday screened a Hausa movie, "Tsintsiya", as part of its programme called "Celebration of diversity and democracy" aimed at promoting national unity in Nigeria.

US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Renee Sanders, said that Tsintsiya, a US Embassy sponsored movie, was an adoption of the 1950's American Musical "West Side Story" which was itself based on a much older story, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

She stated that "these stories take place in different settings-Renaissance England, New York City, modern day Kano-yet they have much in common. Each explores universal themes of love, prejudice, diversity and intolerance in their own contemporary social and cultural context. Though these powerful love stories, we are challenged to consider our own treatment of people and societies that are different from us and we are called to value diversity and seek understanding to overcome prejudice and ignorance. In his speech Alhaji Salisu Hamisu Iyan-Tama, the head of multi media, the producers of the movie said more than eight hundred artistes played various roles in the movie which features the diverse ethnic tribes of Nigeria. "Babbale Hayatu, who played the lead role, is a Hausa, while Helen Isaac, the heroine is an Igbo girl. This is a story of love conquering adversity. It is set in a university environment because of the role of universities as idea factories and melting pot," he said.

Iyan-Tama stated that the making of Tsintsiya was a challenge and an opportunity to elevate the Hausa movie industry popularly known as "Kannywood."