Ahead of its 20th edition, the Africa Film Academy has unveiled plans and activities for this year’s edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
According to the organisers, the plans and activities signify the kickoff to the journey of another AMAA year. With this, Dr. Shaibu Husseni, DG of Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, returns as the head of AMAA’s College of Screeners.
Speaking, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, designated chairman/CEO of the AFA Board, said there is a call for entry ahead of the 2024 edition of the awards.
“The early call for entry is to enable more film practitioners across Africa and the Diaspora to submit and participate in the 20th edition. This will serve as a testimony to African creativity, as we celebrate and toast not just the founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe of blessed memory and her contribution in placing African film and filmmakers on the global stage, but also 20 years of AMAA, which showcases the finest in African film and cinematography. So, AMAA is currently calling for entries in all categories, and this will last till April 2024.”
Anyiam-Osigwe further reiterated that AMAA is a merit-based system. “One of the reasons for creating AMAA is to provide and create a networking platform and avenue for African filmmakers and practitioners to interact while getting rewarded for their creativity, uniqueness, authenticity, and professionalism. We are not a popularity contest; we are a professional contest that rewards professionalism across Africa and Diaspora based on merit and best practice.”
Husseini, who spoke on behalf of AMAA’s Jury and College of Screeners, said: “We look forward to getting great films from African film practitioners. We look forward to submissions in AMAA categories, which include feature films, animations, documentaries, and more. I would like to reiterate that the country of film is different from the origin of film. We don’t encourage films that don’t have Africans or filmmakers of African descent. Films can be uploaded on the film freeway.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government is returning as the host of this year’s AMAAs while other activities would include human capacity development by the AFA, jury’s session, and nomination unveil.