Collaboration among film makers, funding identified as key to growing Africa’s film industry
Collaborations among African film makers and investments in film productions by companies and organisations in the continent have been identified as successful drivers of pushing African perception agenda to the next level.
The two factors were central discussions among artistes and other players in African film productions at the 2018 African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, AMVCA event held last weekend in Lagos which saw 120 nominations from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa battle in 27 categories.
Principally, the award is an annual recognition of outstanding achievement in television and film. The winners are voted by the general public. The inaugural AMVCA ceremony was held in Lagos, on 9 March 2013.
The award organised by MultiChoice in collaboration with other sponsors is part of the African quest to strengthen African narrative which has been skewed by the Western powerful media. In the last 25 years, Africans have woken up to this reality to re-tell the stories especially through films but in this journey, they are hampered by sponsorships.
Discussing with BusinessDay at the glamorous event, Chy Nwakanma who won the best TV series award ‘This is it’ identified collaboration in film making among African film makers as key to growing African movie industry. According to her, films should not just be about Nigeria, Kenya or any other country but a fuse of cultures across Africa.
“If Africa as a whole can come together and tell its stories together and bring different ideas from different cultures, I believe we will be powerful. Such films will attract wider audience in the continent and overseas”, she said.
After winning Best Trail Blazer award at the show, Bisola Aiyeola who participated in Big Brother Naija edition of 2017 also emphasised that it is important many film houses come together to work as one to produce films for Africa. “Collaboration is the new competition as it will help to deepen the industry and bring the needed funds/investment for the industry. Collaboration will also help the industry to deviate from the clichés of drama and go into other areas such as Action and Animation which are still fresh. We should not see each other as competitors but collaborators”.
Bisola said she has been in film acting journey since 2006 before making it to BBN house.
Desmond Elliot, a popular face on Nollywood and who is now a member of the Lagos State Assembly told BusinessDay that the entertainment industry is slightly growing but not as much as expected. “For it to grow there must be government presence. Government needs to create the platform for it to grow. It is not about shooting the films but about growing the industry and government needs to help the industry to enter into treaties with other worlds and making sure there are partnerships across countries and regions.”
Tora, a broadcaster who is part of MNET, said African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award is really about pushing the African agenda . “It is about putting Africa in a positive light. MultiChoice has been committed to celebrating characters in this initiative. With the industry and the recognition the African narrative will continue to go forward.
Kolade Morakinyo, a film composer and sound designer who won award as best sound editor said the award is a stamp of validation that what film makers are doing in the industry is towards the right direction and he believes that sound in Nollywood will always get better.
African movie can only get better. Recently boundaries are being pulled down in film making in Africa. AMVCA is an encouragement on what we are doing.
Mark Maina, a Kenyan who won award for best picture editor for the film ‘18 Hours’ said producing film in Africa is hampered by lack of funding. “But I believe that if the film makers deepen their narrative in the scripts, it will attract investors to take the risk in funding the film making”.
Ngozi Obasi won the Costume Designer award. Talking on how Nollywood has improved the costume industry, Ngozi co-winner, James Bessinone said the detail of Africa is in its culture. “Costume has been with us and selling it to global world will really grow the industry. He said winning award is determination and dedication.
He reiterated lack of sponsorship as bane of film industry in Africa. He said abroad, there are structures that help film industry but in Africa finance is a major issue.
As expected, the crème de la crème of the African film, TV and entertainment industry turned out on the famous AMVCA show, which was hosted by the duo of IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini and started with an electrifying performance by the critically acclaimed Niger-Delta dance troupe, Seki.
Other performances of the night include renditions by famous singer-producer Cobhams Asuquo, and Nigerian opera singer, Omo Bello who performed together with her orchestra. Nigerian rapper Falz also thrilled on the night, even as he won the ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Drama’ award.
Another highlight of the night was when renowned Nigerian cinematographer Tunde Kelani was presented with the Industry Merit award, a decision that was well received by the audience as evidenced by a prolonged standing ovation.
Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Channel Director, Africa Magic said: “We are delighted to once again celebrate outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry on the platform of the AMVCAs.
Some other winners include Best Lighting Designer Movie/TV Series won by Tatu – Akpe Ododoru, Tunde Akinniyi; Best Cinematography Movies/TV series went to Okafor’s Law – Yinka Edward; Best Documentary went to The Flesh Business – Dennis Wanjohi; Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series – Hausa went to Mansoor – Ali Nuhu; Best Indigenous Language Movies or TV Series – Igbo went to Bound – Lilian Afegbai; Best Indigenous Language Movies or TV Series – Yoruba was won by Etiko Onigedu – Femi Adebayo; Best Overall Movie was clinched by ‘18 Hours’ film by Phoebe Ruguru.
Daniel Obi