For 2013, African Movie Award closes screening

Ahead of 2013 edition, the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), has closed its three-month screening of shortlisted winning films across Nigeria.

 It was held at the Silverbird Galleria, Abuja. The Chief Executive of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe revealed that with this, the organization was fully set for 2013, saying, “Entries are already being received for the 2013 edition. Filmmakers are encouraged to send in their films early as the event holds in April 2013”.

Meanwhile, members of the public who thronged the venue expressed happiness at the opportunity given to them by AMAA to see the films on the large screen. On screen were Adesuwa directed by Lancelot Imasuen, adjudged the Best Nigerian Film and Man on Ground by Akin Omotoso, which garnered the Best Jury Award. The quality of production of the films was all too evident - clean sound, appropriate costuming and well executed special effects complemented by good acting.

There was no doubt that members of the jury did their homework before coming up with their verdict. Adesuwa, for instance, was particularly striking with its admixture of lust, betrayal, murder, magic and war! The sheer grit in Man on Ground, also kept the audience glued to their seats. The Abuja affair was the last leg of the public screening, which began in Benin City in October and subsequently moved to Ibadan, Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt before berthing in Abuja. Four films were screened at the different venues: Adesuwa,  Man on Ground, Otelo Burning (Best Cinematography) and Alero Symphony (Best Set Design).

Explaining the rationale for the public screening, which was introduced this year, Anyiam-Osigwe said it was for the wider audience to “see, screen and judge for themselves some of the films that got the AMAA laurels”. She explained that at the various screening centres, “people were excited to see that the Nigerian film industry and the African film industry are growing in terms of quality and depth”.