Ali Nuhu (born 15 March 1974) is a Nigerian actor, director, and studio executive whose work bridges Kannywood (Hausa-language cinema) and Nollywood. Widely dubbed the King of Kannywood, he has appeared in 500+ films across Hausa and English, shaping Northern Nigeria’s screen culture and expanding its reach across Africa and the diaspora. A native of Maiduguri who grew up in Kano, Nuhu studied Geography at the University of Jos and later trained in filmmaking at the Asian Academy of Film & Television (India), with additional storytelling coursework in the U.S. His breakout came with the Hausa hit Sangaya, followed by acclaimed turns in Sitanda (AMAA Most Promising Actor, 2007), Confusion Na Wa, Ojukokoro, Hakkunde, Banana Island Ghost, Last Flight to Abuja, and Amina on Netflix. As a director, he is known for Mansoor (AMVCA 2018 Hausa category winner), further cementing his reputation for discovering fresh Northern talents and delivering audience-first stories.
Beyond the camera, Nuhu has served as a brand ambassador and cultural advocate, frequently leveraging his platform for public-interest campaigns and industry development. In January 2024, he was appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), where he champions capacity-building, film policy reform, and international market access for Nigerian content.