The Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards has called for entries. They need filmmakers to submit films that were released between 1 October 2015 and 30th September 2016. The AMVCA seems to call for submissions and yet the nominations remain open even after the call is said to have been closed. Last year, I was shocked to see a few films released late in the year make the nomination list of the AMVCA, because when they requested for entries, some particular films were not released, yet they made the cut and even won awards.
There are 27 very interesting categories for the AMVCA, including – best director, best actor, best actress, best cinematographer and producer, those are the most interesting and perhaps, the categories everyone checks out for.
The AMVCA is for those that have worked hard and also have a bit of exposure. It also exposes new filmmakers to us and even makes films popular. It is decided by votes and that is why it is called the Viewer’s choice Awards. If you get just enough number of votes, you will be able to win an award. It is not a jury affair. So when the nominations are finally out, we would be able to vote for whatever captured our heart. Some of the films we have seen so far and expect to see nominated for the AMVCA are:
– Wives on Strike:
This film may just appear in almost all categories at the AMVCA. Wives on Strike is said to be the highest grossing film of 2016 so far and the AMVCA loves when women are in charge.
Michelle Bello won the trailblazer award in 2014, in 2015 it was Ivie Okujaiye and in 2016, we had Kemi Lala.
In 2015 Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo won for best producers.
In 2016 Genevieve Nnaji, Chinny Onwugbenu, and Chichi Nwoko won for best movie (Western Africa) and Stephanie Linus won for Best Overall film.
Wives on Strike should get nominations for Omoni Oboli as best director. Best actresses should see her and Uche jumbo or Ufuoma McDermott. It should also score a nod for Kenneth Okonkwo.
– Gidi Blues:
Gidi Blues is so far, the best film I have watched in 2016. I expect to see a nomination for Best Director, Best Actor for Gideon and also best-supporting actress for Nancy Isime.
– The CEO:
I have not watched the CEO but if the 2015 AMVCA is anything to go by, this would get nominated in many categories, at least best director for Kunle.
– Ghana Must Go:
I trust that Ghana Must Go will get a nomination for Yvonne Okoro as best actress and Blossom Chukwujekwu as best actor. Frank Rajah should also get a nod for best director. Nkem Owoh might just be a winner at this year’s AMVCA.
– The Arbitration:
If you have watched the past three AMVCA’s then you will know the AMVCA loves films like this. I have not watched Arbitration but the little I get from the trailer shows there is a lot of story there, so who knows? This may get many nominations. We are talking, O.C Ukeji, Somekele Idama and Adesua Etomi.
It looks like the 2017 AMVCA’s will be the most competitive yet. Looking at all the wonderful films that have been released this year, and those coming up later in the year, who knows there may be an extension for entries and many new films will be nominated. We have to brace ourselves for a very competitive show for 2017.
Rejoice a movie enthusiast, who feels Art is inspiring, it makes her think and she believes it is the way forward. You can check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/joicesamuelabutsa