Hassan a Karofi
5 October 2008
Kano — History is about to be made in the film industry of Northern part of the country, populary known as Kannywood, as a documentary film on the Kano monarch, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero and the Kano Emirate Council is completed and set for premiere in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in October this year.
The film which chronicles the life and the evolution of the Kano emirate, especially the revolutionary years of Emir Ado Bayero, boasts of great Hausa film stars including Kasimu Yero, Dauda Galadanchi, Ibrahim Mandawari, Kabiru Nakwango, Zainab Booth, Amina Garba, Isa Bello Ja, Shuaibu Yawale Yusuf Abdallah (Amros) and Salihu 'Hotman' Isah, a thespian actor, producer, journalist and human rights activist of note.
This high budget project which is said to have consumed about N50 million will be the most expensive film ever in the northern part of the country.
Bakan Dabo, which is in commemoration of the revered royal father's 45th year of diligent service to his subjects, captures the essence of the rich cultural and traditional splendour of the Kano people.
Not only that, the Bakan Dabo film has a segment that portrays the great globally-acclaimed durbar for which the state is renowned. This exquisite show of gallantry adds colour to the film, many described as the best about tradition in modernity.
Shot at various locations in the ancient pyramid city for over 14 months, the film x-rays the heritage and hospitality of the people of Kano popularly called Kano ta dabo cigari ; especially its relationship with visitors.
The Command Premiere is expected to attract a select audience which will have a privileged opportunity to have first-hand view of the about 45 minutes clip of the action, according to director of the project, Muhammed Auwal George (MAG).
In an interview with Director of the Film, Muhammed Auwal he said President Musa Yar'Adua will lead the personalities to the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre venue of the premiere. This, according to him, is part of the efforts to sell the good heritage of the Kano people to the world.
The renowned director of the epic said, to grace the August show, apart from Mr. President are all state governors, ministers, members of the state and national assemblies, the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, royal fathers across the country, the academia, nollywood and kannywood practitioners and top media gurus amongst others.
"The Bakan Dabo project committee has been working round the clock to ensure a successful programme which is also billed to include a Grand Premiere and Gala Nite that will herald the main event of the Public Presentation/Launch of the documentary", he reeled out.
He said banks and other corporate organizations as well as some highly placed individuals had been approached to partner with them on the project which is expected to make an impact on both local and international movie circles.
Mahmoud Sarkin Fada on his part speaks glowingly of the epic which he boasts was wholly the brainchild of the producers and sponsors who invested a princely sum of money to realize the project. They have, however, received the consent and approval of the Emir and the emirate council.
He recalled that when he led the stakeholders of the project to hand over the master tape of the film to the Emir recently, the royal father expressed great joy for its completion, not only extolling the virtues of the producers, but expressing the hope that the film would be of immense benefit to the nation.
"No film shot in the north of the country boasts of a wide spectrum of actors and actresses like Bakan Dabo, listing some of them to include Kasimu Yero, Dauda Galadanchi, Ibrahim Mandawari, Kabiru Nakwango, Zainab Booth, Amina Garba, Isa Bello Ja, Shuaibu Yawale Yusuf Abdallah (Amros) and Salihu 'Hotman' Isah, a thespian actor, producer, journalist and human rights activist of note," he said
The film will surely pass as one of the most researched biography about one of the greatest emirate in the protectorate of the north.
Sunday Trust interviewed one of the actors, Salihu 'hotman' on his experience about the film, and he said that working with talented film stars, the best from the region, enabled him to understand the greatness of Emir Ado Bayero.
"I am sure the film will create awareness about the craftiness in the Hausa film industry, and will open a vista of highly rated films worldwide especially in terms of budgets that so far surpassed any in the industry," he added.
While the film will be premiered in Abuja and later Kano , the director of the film said they are hopeful that the film will be a successful story.
The film is coming at the heels of controversy between the Kano state censorship board and film-makers as well as authors in the state, but already Bakan Dabo film has been passed for public view by the board, having fulfilled all the requirements by censorship laws.
"We are sure the film will bring a new front in how films are made in this part of the world and will create a first-hand knowledge about the history, culture and tradition of a people that are everywhere in the world," the director added.
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