KILAF Conference, being organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano has resulted in the publication of three books arising from the annual paper presentations. Attendance is both virtual and physical. Usually, a call for papers is sent out based on a theme, abstracts are received, and full papers are presented by both filmmakers and academicians, some are then selected for publication.
KILAF ’23 is putting up Master Classes in Acting For The Camera, and Digital Cinematography and Photography. For example, the former is to be conducted by a renowned African, Connie Chiume as the resource person. She’s the legendary Star of Malawi and South Africa, an Actress in Black Panther (Mining Tribe Elder) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Zawavari).
This is the start-up event where all KILAF registered participants are being welcomed with delicious delicacies prepared by the cooks at the Kano State Government House under the hosting of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf. It is a special event slated for day one of KILAF, for the distinguished attendees, to be warmly welcomed for coming to the ancient city of Kano.
During the annual event of KILAF, films made by Africans are eligible to enter for the competition category. They are expected to be feature, short, documentary or animation. However, they must be produced in an African indigenous language, of an original storyline and about the continent.
The aspiration is to be adjudged by seasoned professionals, which is an invaluable feedback mechanism, while giving one the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for excellence at an impressive KILAF Awards Ceremony in the ancient city of Kano, Nigeria.
This is being organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University and the activity is domiciled at the Faculty in the New Campus at Gwarzo Road, Kano. Indeed, the collaboration has yielded some positive results. For example, it has resulted in the publication of three books arising from the annual paper presentations during the KILAF Conference which can either be virtual or physical. Usually, a call for papers is sent out based on a theme, abstracts are received, and full papers are presented by both filmmakers and academicians, some are then selected for publication. Thus, bringing about a conducive environment of synergizing practice and theory for the common good of the two actively participating camps.
Building capacity is an integral component of KILAF. We believe in improving the quality of skills and professionalism while offering the platform to intervene appropriately. Thus, every year, we identify gaps and attempt to mitigate them accordingly.
KILAF Master Classes are organized and conducted by renown professionals who have distinguished themselves in the field of media and entertainment.
This activity offers opportunity for filmmakers to gain access to screen their films at the Filmhouse Theatres, Ado Bayero Mall, in the presence of select film stakeholders. Then, the filmmaker is given the chance to lead an interactive Question and Answer session at the event. This is a noble idea because it enables the filmmaker to get feedback about his work, and enlarges his network while popularizing his work.
Every creative endeavor has to be strongly supported with a commercial model for growth, development and sustenance. Bearing this in mind, KILAF created this activity to promote the business side of creativity.
Filmmakers, broadcasters, exhibitors, marketers, distributors, policy makers are assembled here to generate businesses for the benefits of all. Exhibition booths are made available, for a fee, for this event which holds at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) where transactions are common sights during KILAF.
The convergence of academics and filmmakers at KILAF’s overall activities is perhaps the most unique aspect of the event. The two groups had no chance to meet one another for constructive engagements until this initiative was introduced back in 2018. Similarly, the interactive sessions organized during film screenings add to the opportunity of mingling to establish new contacts. The Master Classes lend itself as an avenue to meet and make new friends. Generally, the cordial relationships promoted at KILAF give birth to further associations that expand the horizon of comradeship.
This is where KILAF challenges the appetite of all participants with free and tantalizing African local snacks, drinks, salads and foods. You need guts to dare overcome the array of options available. That’s why we solicit the support and sponsorship of the Bank of Agriculture and other agencies to meet up with the enormity of the task ahead.
This is the star event of KILAF when and where excellence and professionalism of African indigenous language films; and those who make them, are appreciated and rewarded, accordingly. There is thrilling entertainment of music, dance and poetry; laced with awards to deserving works and persons. It is the closing night of immense entertainment value while offering opportunities for media mileage for products, goods, services and brands of sponsors.
Kano City Tour is being organized in collaboration with the Kano State Tourism Board and the History and Culture Bureau (HCB). It is an event that takes participants around the combined ancient and modern Kano City which has a history of over a thousand years. It offers the opportunity to explore and comprehend the cultures and traditions of the KILAF hosting city. Participants do visit historical sites like; Gidan Makama Museum, Kano City Walls and Gates, Kurmi Market (that once served as a slave market in the days of the slave trade), dye pits, Gidan Dan Hausa and the majestic Emir’s Palace that is over 500 years old.
