BOI pledges to support Northern film producers, entertainers

Bank of Industry (BOI) has promised to support local movie producers, Kannywood and other entertainers from the North with funds.

North West Regional Manager of BOI, Dr. Dahiru Bala, made the pledge in Kaduna, yesterday, at the closing ceremony of the 6th Kaduna International Film Festival, where notable actors like Ali Nuhu, Frances Duru, Rabiu Rikadawa among others from neighbouring African countries, bagged lifetime awards for their works.

Asking the Northern creatives to come forward for funding, the Regional Manager described the creative industry as a multi-billion dollar industry of great interest and concern to BOI, as it has the capability to empower people, stimulate jobs and grow the nation’s economy.

Bala said: “We have supported a lot of them in Kannywood in Kano. I also try to encourage other creative industries in Kaduna, Abuja and other places to come forward for funding. BOI is a national bank and as much as it is a national bank, we want to spread our support in the country. So, those in the North and Nigeria at large will be supported.”

Fielding questions from newsmen at the retreat, the founder and Executive Director of Kaduna International Film Festival, Audu Kashim, said the North was lagging behind in the entertainment industry, but that creative minds in the region were not resting on their oars.

He identified communication barriers, lack of funding and exposure, as well as a rich network as part of challenges to the Northern film industry.

“We will not relent despite all the setbacks we encounter in the industry,” he added. “The Kaduna International Film Festival is a platform to address these challenges. That is why we have to bring in some dignitaries that are keen in helping us to make the industry in the North go far.

“There are people who cannot communicate and they feel shy whenever they are outside. We need to help such people. There are countries that do movies in their local languages; so language should not be a barrier.

“Though English is the most widely used language, we need to encourage those who cannot speak, but are doing well,” he said.