Shaihu Umar

A faithful adaptation of one of the novels that began modern Hausa literature in the colonial period, by the future Prime Minister of Nigeria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The acting is a bit stilted at times, and the director betrays his training in documentaries. But Hausa (or "Haoussa" as they spell it in most of the French speaking countries) is the largest language in Africa south of the Sahara, and if you are at all curious to see a Hausa movie, or real African film, this is one to see.

When I saw it in the States with a friend we watched a long dialogue at the beginning, followed by subtitles which translated the exchange with two words: "Hello." and "Hello."

My friend leaned over and whispered "What did they say?"

"That was it." I explained "That was 'hello' in Hausa."

It may not always make sense to you, but to the Hausa this movie was a hit, and remains a classic, "must see" Hausa film.