The highly anticipated 20th edition of the continental film awards ceremony, the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), on November 2, 2024 ended with pumps amid applauses and calls on brands to invest and support.
Held at a fully packed Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, the event had over 700 guests from different parts of Africa converging at the venue.
A total of 26 awards were won by African film practitioners, including actors, cinematographers, producers, costumiers, set designers and more.
Some of the biggest winners of the memorable night include Nigeria’s Daniel Oriahi for ‘The Weekend,’ Femi Adebayo for ‘Jagun Jagun,’ and South Africa’s Jahmil X.T. Qubeka for ‘The Queenstown Kings.’
AMAA’s CEO, Dr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, reiterated the need for African creatives to remain united while leveraging on platforms like AMAA as a springboard to global fame. Dr Anyiam-Osigwe also promised that the family will continue with the legacies of the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who impacted the African film industry and filmmakers before her passing away. He stressed that the preparation for the 20th edition began before the death of the founder and promised to continue partnerships that have been created and made since the inception of the continental film award.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, led dignitaries that included captains of industries and film practitioners across Africa and beyond.
With breath-taking performances from legendary Afrobeat star Femi Kuti to Yinka Davies, the night was brightened up by a long list of pan-African artists including Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku and Adina Thembi.
Speaking on AMAA at 20, veteran Nollywood actor, Charles Inojie said: “Looking back at the last 20 years, I will say this has been a story of tenacity, a story of belief. For one woman to believe 20 years ago that this was possible is unthinkable. AMAA started like something that was not going to be seen in the next edition. 20 years down the line, AMAA has remained Africa’s flagship for movie awards.
Asked if it has met his expectations, he said: “AMAA has met my expectations. Can it be better? Yes. In the beginning, we had big brands supporting AMAA but this day, we don’t see enough of that. Corporate Nigerians need to rally around a brand like this and make the dreams of the visioner, Peace Osigwe come through. You can’t beat what AMAA has done for Nollywood. AMAA is Africa’s Oscar so, we can’t have Africa’s Oscar without the right financial support. Corporate Nigerians have not done well.
Speaking after the award, the producer, Neighbourhood Alert, Sharifa Johka, said: “I feel honoured to be recognised. As a US-based filmmaker, I am thrilled to be honoured by our brothers across the continent. It’s an honour to be in the same room with heavyweights.
“It was rigorous putting the Neighbourhood Alert together. We put the project together before COVID-19. We had to raise money and get people to re-engage during the pandemic.
When asked about other projects to expect, she said: “We have a lot coming. The projects are located in located in Lagos.
Also speaking, Noah Abbott who played Chike in Neighborhood Alert, said: “Neighborhood Alert is a social justice film. Winning this award means a lot because people are recognising that this film is touching hearts. This award will make me do more.
The Last Shoe Maker, a Uganda project won the Efere Ozako Amaa 2024 Award For Best Short Film; CounterPunch – Kenya won the Jubril Malafia Amaa 2024 Award For Best Animation; The Night Still Smells of Gun Powder- Mozambique won the AMAA 2024 Award for best documentary; The Queenstown Kings – South Africa won the Ousmane Sembene Amaa 2024 Award For Best Film In An African Language; Under The Hanging Tree- Namibia/UK won the Michael Anyiam Osigwe Amaa 2024 Award For Best Film
By An African Living Abroad.
