Kannywood stars including Ali Nuhu, Rahama Sadau, Fati Washa and Umar Gombe among others, have supported the decision of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) to boycott the Zuma International Film Festival ongoing in Abuja.

It was reliably gathered that Kannywood faces were absent at the national event, despite being invited by organisers of the event.

MOPPAN, which serves as the umbrella body to Coalition of Kannywood Guilds, Arewa Filmmakers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN) and other professional bodies in the Hausa filmmaking industry, announced its decision to boycott the Zuma Awards on claims that it was being side-lined by the organisers of the film festival.

MOPPAN and AFMAN had in a letter to the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, pointed out that the film festival was deliberately fixed on Sallah Day to preclude all Muslims from participating and benefitting from the festival.

Kannywood actor, Umar Gombe, stated that members of the Hausa film industry had in obedience to the industry’s leadership resolved to comply with the stand of MOPPAN to boycott the national event.

“As an entity, members of Kannywood have in conformity to the leadership of the industry decided to obey and boycott the event. It is apparent that as citizens, we deserve respect and consideration. Therefore whosoever is not ready to accord us with these, he or she is on his or her own,” said Gombe.

ZUMA award is organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in collaboration with Federal Capital Territory (FCT). (Daily Trust)