Film and TV talents across the continent are expected to get their works ready for the third edition of AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), organisers have announced.
A statement from Multichoice revealed that a special announcement will be broadcast on Africa Magic channels on Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm, and participants can begin to send in their entries from the same day.
As usual, winners will be announced at a glamorous ceremony, which will take place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos in March 2015.
“We are pleased to announce the call for entry for the 2015 AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talents, and at AfricaMagic, we contribute to the industry by not only giving these talents the platform to showcase their art and celebrating their achievements, whilst also encouraging them to keep honing their craft,” said Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director for M-Net (West).
She said the AMVCAs was created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry. She noted that with the success of the 2013 and 2014 editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2015 show.
The scheme rewards excellence in the areas of acting, directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, make-up, sound and lighting, amongst other recognition categories.
At the second edition of the show which held early this year, award-winning actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, won the laurel for best actress in Michele Racca’s Journey To Self, while Ghanaian film producer/director, Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s movie The Contract,was one of the biggest winners, carting away three awards, including Best Movie, Best Writer and Best Video Director. Also, renowned film and TV veteran, Pete Edochie, was honoured with the prestigious lifetime achievement award.
Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, expressed his delight at the growing success of the reward initiative, saying: “There have been two editions of the AMVCAs and so far, the improvement that this award has brought to African film production cannot be ignored. For us at MultiChoice, the success of these awards further showcases our commitment to recognising the amazing skills that exist in this ever-growing industry. Furthermore, our continued investment demonstrates our dedication in helping unearth and celebrate talent in the whole continent. I have much confidence that the next edition in 2015 will leave an even bigger impact on the African film production industry than the previous two.”
Satisfied with the level of partnership with the Awards for the last two edition, Brand Manager for Amstel Malta, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf said: “Amstel Malta is again pleased to be part of this year’s AfricaMagic Viewer’s Choice Awards. It is truly a unique platform which aligns perfectly with the brand’s essence, encouraging and also rewarding young ambitious Africans who have proved to be the best they can be.”
At the 2014 edition, Amstel Malta, which is the headline sponsors of the show, launched its new campaign, The Journey, which stars actress Genevieve Nnaji and football star, Mikel Obi. “This year, the brand is set to allow consumers witness the joys from being focused on their goals and even beating their best, while on their journey to success,” said Ageni-Yusuf.
The first edition of the AMVCA ceremony took place in Lagos on March 9, 2013, and was broadcast live from Lagos to DStv and GOtv audiences in more than 50 countries across the continent. The event drew big names from across the continent’s TV and film industry and saw the Best Actor and Best Actress in a Drama awards going to Nigerian OC Ukeje and Ghanaian Jackie Appiah, in the respective categories.
Organisers say entry for the AMVCAs is free and will close on October 31. They advise interested participants to log on to cdafricamagic.tv for submission procedure and requirements
