 |
| Falalu A Dorayi |
Falalu Abubakar Dorayi, widely known in the Hausa filmmaking industry as Falalu Dorayi, is a multi-award-winning director who has garnered immense respect and admiration from all corners of the industry. He is a director, actor, and movie marketer, with over two decades of experience. In this interview, Falalu shares his journey to stardom.
Who is Falalu Dorayi?
Falalu is an actor, producer, director, and marketer in the Hausa filmmaking industry. I can confidently say that I have been involved in almost every aspect of film production to reach where I am today. My first encounter with the film industry was during my secondary school days.
I started with the school drama society and later joined a local drama group in our area. While doing this, I also took on various menial jobs to support myself. I have always believed in self-reliance and never considered acting or the industry as a joke.
I gradually gained popularity as a stage drama comedian, and people advised me to join the then-emerging Hausa film industry. Following their advice, I began visiting the Hausa filmmaking hub known as Sabon Titi, where I got involved through Bala Ahmad.
Every day, I would either walk or ride my bicycle to Sabon Titi. It wasn't easy, but my interest made it worthwhile. Along the way, my mentor, Bala Ahmad, asked me to drop my comedian persona and introduced me to the basics of story writing. I then ventured into scriptwriting, where I excelled. I spent seven years as a scriptwriter in the company, where I also learned the art of directing movies. This marked the beginning of my journey to where I am today.
Having established myself as a film director, I set aside my acting aspirations but did not abandon them. I also sought to enhance my directing skills by attending several courses from recognized training institutions nationwide.
What was the first movie you directed?
Unfortunately, the first two films I directed were claimed by the producer, who took credit for directing them because I wasn't well-known at the time.
The first movie that officially carried my name as the director was "Kwagiri," followed by "Uwargida" and "Majalisa." These films helped establish my name in the industry.
The movie "Mela" was a significant breakthrough for me. It introduced many new elements to the industry, showcasing a high level of professionalism and compelling storylines.
Can you name some of the films you have directed?
I don't have an exact count of the films I've directed, but some notable ones include "Ga Zara ga Wata," "Zarar Bunu," "Sayyada," "Tarkon Kauna," "Ahalul Kitabi," "Babban Mutum," and "Babban Yaro." I've also directed comedy films like "Ibro Danfulani," "Hotiho," and "Namamajo," as well as the TV series "Gidan Badamasi."
Your face seems to appear more in films nowadays. Does this mean you've abandoned directing?
People often tell me that I have a strong presence as an actor, but the truth is, I do more directing than acting. Acting is still a part of me, and the positive feedback from fans has been very encouraging. However, I believe the industry needs me more as a director. I've introduced the concept of versatility among artists, which I think is beneficial for the industry. My roles in films are usually small, but they often draw significant attention. Perhaps this is why people think I've fully reverted to acting.
What is the greatest challenge the industry has faced?
The greatest challenge, in my opinion, was the decline in the film marketing system. Kannywood, in particular, was hit hard by the demise of CDs and DVDs. We also faced significant challenges with piracy, which was a major issue during the industry's peak. Piracy fought back, and it seemed to have won.
However, when we thought the industry was defeated, YouTube emerged as a savior. YouTube and other internet streaming platforms have revived the industry and are sustaining it today.
Do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets. The filmmaking industry has done a lot for me. It has given me a social status that I might not have achieved outside the industry. I have a house, a job, and a family to return to every day, all thanks to Kannywood.
