The fifth edition of the annual African Movie Academy Award (AMAA), which ended last Saturday night, April 4, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, sprang up surprises among the audience.
Many least expected the outcome of the award ceremony. The fiesta saw films from other African nations dominating their Nigerian colleagues. Stakeholders in the entertainment industry were in agreement that the award winners deserved the award, given their hard work and commitment.
However, the hosting of the event has attracted negative comments from concerned Bayelsans, who alleged that the ‘project’ was a waste of government funds. They argued that the N70m used for the function would have been channeled into paying teachers salaries and other meaningful ventures. But, Director General of the State’s Tourism Bureau and Publicity, Nathan Egba, dismissed this view, insisting that the hosting of AMAA would go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourist potentials in the state. Egba maintained that the state would reap the benefit of AMAA in future.
At least, artistes and producers from 11 African countries, including the Nollywood members such as Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Ejike Aseigbu, and other numerous guests thronged the expansive auditorium of the Gloryland Cultural Center situated on Ovom to grace the award ceremony. Night-crawlers from Bayelsa and neighboring states also besieged the venue to experience and witness the occasion.
Stand-up comedian, Julius Agwu and Kate Henshaw-Nattal co-hosted the function, attended by Governor Timipre Sylva and other top government functionaries. Agwu as usual, displayed his ingenuity with rib-cracking jokes arrested the audience. Selected musicians were not left out at the function.
Interestingly the AMAA jury included celebrated players such as American Festival designer, Ayoku Babu, German Film Programmer, Dorothy Wenner, Kenyan-born British festival director, Keith Sheri and Editor, The Punch, Steve Ayorinde. A total of 25 categories were nominated for the prestigious award.
At the award ceremony, a Kenyan film, From A Whisper directed by Wari Kaliu won five choice prizes, even as the Nigerian entries that had earlier dominated the nominees’ list crumbled to the surprise of Nigerian spectators. The movie won the best director, screenplay, picture, original soundtrack and AMAA achievement in editing in categories that had Nigerian entries such as Tunde Kelani in the film Arugba, Tchide Chikere’s Beautiful Soul and Modupe Teni. Incidentally, nobody won the best-shot film.
Again, South African film, Gugu and Andil, Egyptian film Seventh Heaven and Ugandan film Battle of the Soul floored Nollywood entries, as best performing actor in a leading role, and best performing actor in a supporting role, including AMAA achievement in visual effect. There was reprieve among Nigerian audience when Funke Akindele won the best female actress in Jenifa film, while Tunde Kelani won the AMAA achievement in costume and non-continental best for Nigerian scenes.
Best performance actor was clinched by Egyptian-born artist, Farouk Alfishawi in a film titled Seventh Heavens. Izu Ojukwu, defeating Stephen Okereke, Stella Damasus, and other artists, won the best cinematography in Cindy. Nigerian filmmakers may likely redouble their efforts in winning choice prizes in the next edition of AMAA. Analysts say their performance in the recent award was not quite encouraging.
In his comments, governor Timipre Sylva tasked filmmakers in the country and beyond , to take advantage of the state’s rich cultural heritage and tourist potentials by investing in the area.