MultiChoice celebrates Africa’s best in movies, underscores true African stories

The forth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) held at the Expo Centre of exquisite Eko Hotels last weekend did not only celebrate African movie stars but the continental event underscored the importance of true African stories in African films. About 3,000 guests at the venue and over 100 million viewers across Africa watched and clapped as outstanding movie stars and filmmakers in 28 categories that witnessed about 140 nominations were rewarded for their contributions to the growth of African movie industry.

However, the highlight of the awards was the Best Overall Movie Africa, won by Stephanie Linus’ ‘Dry’, while best Director in a movie category was won by Akin Omotosho with his movie; ‘Tell me sweet something’. Best Actor in a drama and Best Actress in a drama categories were won by Daniel K. Daniel and Adesua Etomi, respectively. Other categories include Trailblazer Award clinched by Kemi Lala Akindoju, while Bukki Ajai and Sadiq Daba both won the Industry Merit Awards. Roll call of winners at the awards also include; Folarin Falana, Funke Akindele, Genevive Nnaji, Louiza Calore, Trish Malone among others.

Besides the awards plaque, winners of Best Overall Movie Africa and Trailblazer categories were presented with two brand new GS5 SUVs.

Speaking at a postevent media chat at the venue, Stephanie Linus, whose movie ‘Dry’ won the Best Overall at the awards, noted that the story captures real life issues, especially faced by vulnerable girls who do not have voice in the society. She promised to use her movie as project and campaign for the betterment of the disadvantaged in the society and called on the public to assist in curbing the growing number of women who die during child birth, which according to her is over 40,000 every year. According to her the film has further assisted to jolt conversation on the social problem.”

Everyone of us should find a role to play, the parents, community, government and medical practitioners should have their role in addressing the challenge. This is my role of addressing the issue”, Stephanie who said the film took her three years to produce said. The film and the challenges of its message resonate with African live especially as most women who are pregnant lack medical care in various countries.

“It is truly African story that tells a story from a young child’s experiences and it is a social issue. If you must tell African story, it is important you look for material that reflects Africa. It is a high quality production that deserves the award “, Wangi MbaUzoukwu, Regional Director for M-Net (West), said.

Though, Sadiq who can be described as one of the fathers of Nigerian film industry was not present but Bukki who came in a wheel chair elicited emotions from the audience who kept cheering her.

“I want to say thank you to all my friends and non friends. This award means so much for me. I love all of you.” she said.

The glamorous and entertaining Africa movie award in its forth edition gathered more momentum this year as Africa’s best in the movies industry with superlative outfits graced the occasion. The award instituted basically a platform to recognise and reward the efforts of African movie stars and those behind the cameras with votes from viewers, was more of encourageing and uniting the stars from different African countries than a competition among them.

The evening which saw electrifying performances from dancing groups and artists such as FIavour, Zonte and Tanzanian Alikaba who kept the audience excited with popular songs witnessed other artists and producers, film directors going home with their prestigious awards for their hard work in acting and film production.

However, Yolisa Phahle, CEO, M-Net Africa, commended the efforts by the filmmakers, which keep churning out quality movies that retell African stories in good light, further expos the industry,its practitioners and create employment across the continent. Answering questions at the post-event media chat, she promised a sustainable relationship with partners in the award, especially Amstel Malta.

In his comment, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, was delighted at the growing success of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. He recognized the the improvement that this award has brought to African film production and said the success of these awards further showcases MultiChoice commitment to recognising the amazing skills that exist in the movie industry. Ugbe noted that the award has come to stay and has over the years encouraged healthy rivalry among filmmakers and movie stars alike and will sustain that further in the years to come.

Speaking to BusinessDay earlier, Funke Akindele advised African producers to stick to African culture in their films and celebrate the positive things happening in the continent.

“Let us use this tool to correct a lot of vices in the continent” In the same vein, Yemi Alade said there is huge room for improvement in the areas of script writing, graphic and cinematograph, direction among others. Also John Ikechukwu Okafor popularly known as ‘ Ibu’ also acknowledged that the entertainment industry is growing but regretted the ‘me-too’ and commercial nature of filming. Also, Mike Izuruonye who was nominated for best male actor in movies said the movie industry is a train that will not stop but said that the industry requires infrastructure to further grow as the film industry is an expensive business.