AMAA 2017: African Filmmakers’ Night of Glory In Lagos
It was a befitting Night of glamour and celebration for practitioners in the motion picture industry across Africa and the Diaspora at the 13th edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards which took place Saturday July 15th, 2017 at the Eko Hotel. AJIBADE ALABI was there for The Glitters Online and reports
The awards, officially hosted by the Lagos State Government, which had over 4000 people in attendance and delegates from 40 countries within and outside Africa, was broadcast live on both the Lagos Television (LTV) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) with scores of international and local media organizations in attendance.
The host Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule expressed joy of the government and people of the state in hosting the continental event, adding that Lagos under his leadership believes in the power of the creative and film industry as a potent force to positively project the image of Africa beyond the negative stereotypes of western media.
The governor, in his address, showered encomiums on the founder of AMAA, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe for her tenacity and hard-work that has sustained the AMAA brand for 13 years.
“We are happy that AMA Awards returned to Lagos five years after it held here in 2012. I congratulate the nominees for being considered worthy of the honours,” Mr. Ambode said in his address.
Ms. Anyiam-Osigwe, in her brief remarks, expressed her gratitude and that of her team to the Government of Lagos State and to the awards’ Jury members who have ensured the integrity of the awards remains unassailable.
“Thank you to His Excellency, Governor Ambode, for making this year’s AMAA possible. I say very big thank you from my heart”.
Nigerian historical drama, ’76, won three awards from its eight nominations. The Izu Ojukwu-directed flick won best production design, achievement in production and Lagos state award for best Nigerian film.
Vaya, a South African film directed by a Nigerian and the film with the highest nominations, ten in total, picked up three awards, which include best director for Akin Omotoso and best screenplay while Queen of Katwe, from Uganda, starring Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, won two of its eight nominations.
In total, Nigeria won nine awards, inclusive of the lifetime achievement honour given to veteran comic-actor, Nkem Owoh.
The event had in attendance, several celebrities including Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Ramsey Nouah, among others.
Celine Loader, a Cameroonian and an oil industry executive in Lagos was also given Special Recognition Award for her contribution to the growth of the film industry in Africa and Nigeria in particular.