Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwurah has emerged the Actress of the Year at the just concluded 2014 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
She won the award through her performance in Emem Isong’s movie, Apaye.
The veteran actress emerged winner of the category, beating the likes of Uche Nnadili for her role in B For Boy, Linda Sokhulu for her role in Felix, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha for her role in Accident, Joselyn Dumas for her role in Northern Affair as well as Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Monalisa Chinda and Daniella Okeke for their roles in Lagos Cougars.
An elated Clarion dedicated the award to Nigeria saying; “I dedicate this award to my country Nigeria because the role I played in Apaye was the role of a woman who after and despite all odds, overcame and became triumphant.”
Tag: AMAA
-
AMAA: Clarion Chukwurah is Actress of the Year
-
AMAA 2014: Corporate Nigeria rallies around organisers
CORPORATE organisations in Nigeria led by Globacom, Sterling Bank, MRS Oil and Gas and First City Monument Bank have all expressed their readiness to support the 10th anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) slated for May 24, at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Other private businesses sponsoring the continental showbiz fiesta, according to the Director of Administration of the awards organization, Mr. Tony Anih, are Skye Bank, Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Dan Etete Foundation, Julius Berger, Skymit Autos, CCECC and BUA Group of Companies, among others.
Anih disclosed that the organisers were working with the Bayelsa State government to make sure that the state hosts a very successful and glamorous event that will leave exciting memories in the minds of guests who will converge on Yenagoa from 48 countries of the world.
“We are happy that the corporate Nigeria is rising in support of AMAA this year. A good number of corporations are sponsoring us this year and we are very thankful. We are working to ensure that we deliver a very good event this year without any hitch. On security, the state government is working with all security agencies and we are sure the state will be safe for guests and all citizens of the state,” he said.
It will be recalled that the nominations into the 26 categories of the awards were announced in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday April 2, at an elaborate gala night, which had Nigeria, Malawi and South African celebrities, business and political leaders in attendance.
The 10th anniversary edition of the awards is designed to feature a panel discussion on the motion picture industry in Africa and a social responsibility component with primary and secondary school students in Yenagoa.
-
AMAA holds May 24
The Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency has concluded arrangements to host the 10th edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Yenagoa on May 24, at the newly refurbished Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre.
The AMAA awards ceremony is the most authentic and widely acclaimed awards ceremony Africa, as it brings together movie producers and other practitioners from across the globe to interface and share ideas, while celebrating excellence in filmmaking annually.
Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, the Director- General of the Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, said: “AMAA awards, this year, is going to be unique and special in several ways. This is because we intend to use the occasion to showcase our rich cultural heritage and promote the tourism and investment opportunities in the state. This is the 10th year Bayelsa State is hosting AMAA, so we will go the extra mile to ensure that we put together a grand ceremony, which will remain a reference point in the entertainment industry in Nigeria.”
She also emphasized that the coming awards show is being bankrolled by the public sector and some public-spirited individuals who share in the vision of Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson in transforming Bayelsa State into the tourism haven in Africa.
According to her, AMAA had provided a veritable platform to train Nigerian youths in various departments of filmmaking in line with the capacity building and empowerment programme of Governor Dickson.
“This year, about 500 youths will again be trained as cinematographers, producers, cameramen, vision mixers, makeup artists, script writers, directors, actors and many more.
“The essence of the training aspect of AMAA is to provide Bayelsa youths the opportunity to participate in the production of movies in Nigeria, thereby reducing the burden on government as the sole employer of labour in the state,” she added.
-
She was one of the best brains on TV – Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
It is a tragedy and this particular death is very painful. We fought, but we were also very close. She was one of the best TV brains in Nigeria.
The motion picture industry in Nigeria and Africa will sorely miss this revolutionary who raised the bar of professionalism and artistic excellence early in Nollywood when it was not fashionable. Amaka Igwe gave herself and applied herself to producing films and soaps that are pacesetters. She was a creative entrepreneur of outstanding qualities who came, saw and conquered in her 51 years of existence on earth.
Amaka Igwe worked with us as a Jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards at the early stage of the awards and her contributions were far-reaching and rewarding. On behalf of the management and staff of AMAA, I extend my heartfelt condolence to her husband, Mr. Charles Igwe, the children, her immediate and extended family members and loved ones. May God continue to stay with the family at this period. May God rest the soul of our departed heroine of Nollywood.
-
Danny Glover charts path for African cinema
•Joins AFA Board
DANNY Glover, an award-winning Hollywood actor, has said that collaborating with other professionals in other big markets in the US, North America and South America is the only way motion picture professionals in Africa can maximize their talents for social and economic relevance.
The Hollywood actor said this in Lagos last weekend at an event to mark the public presentation of the10th anniversary commemorative book capturing the first decade of the pan-African awards titled: From Dream to Reality: The AMAA Legacy, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the event graced by billionaire businessman, Chief Sunny Odogwu, and Nollywood practitioners, Glover said after 10 years of AMAA, it is now time for film makers and professionals in the industry to collaborate with their counterparts in America, North America and South America to create a huge creative economy that will bring good monetary returns for them.
“To start with, I am leading a global effort to raise funding for film projects with AFA. We want to start with two major films that will tell the real story of Africans and those of us in the Diaspora. What this project will do for us is that we will be tapping into the huge market in these regions of the world, where we have large black population. Our actors, actresses and other people who will work on these projects will have cross-continental and global exposures working with their counterparts from these countries. We will have access to a global distribution network that will guarantee revenue and good returns. I was part of this dream 10 years ago. I have stayed with it since inception. Going into the next 10 years, I will hold Peace’s hand and work with her to realize the objectives of making black film makers and professionals anywhere in the world relevant,” he said.
Announcing Glover’s new status as the Chairman of AFA governing Board, the AMAA Chief Executive, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said the Board was pleased to have the global film icon as its chairman, adding that Glover is expected to bring to the organization his extensive experience in the business of film making, talent development and international reach. As he said, we will soon start with two major international film projects. Two scripts that tell the story of Black Africans and those in the Diaspora will be selected. Our film makers and writers will be able to submit their synopses and profiles whether as actors, actresses, directors and any other professional in the industry to a website that will soon be unveiled for the projects. The deadline for submission of scripts and profiles will be October 31. Members of the cast and crew for the film projects will be selected from the entries we get,” she said.
-
AMAA: Peace Anyiam-Osigwe to step aside as CEO
PEACE Anyiam-Osigwe has officially announced that she will be stepping down as the CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) after this year’s edition.
Peace, who made the announcement at the AMAA nominations party in South Africa last week, will, however, remain the president of the awards, while also focusing on aspects like the training of African youths in film-making, among others.
“For me, it has been fulfilling being the CEO of AMAA for 10 years. But this year, the CEO will step aside and be the founder and executive chairman, while the dream will move forward with other faces and other voices. I need to go back and do the work of creativity and work on the economy of Africa creative industry. This is AMAA; it is for African cinema. It was founded for all of us to grow this industry around the world and for us to be reckoned with. We do not want to be the BAFTA or the Oscar. We are just simply the AMAA.”
-
Dickson seeks support for AMAA
Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has urged the private sector to support the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 26.
While addressing captains of industry at the AMAA sponsors’ dinner last Saturday at the Civic Centre, Lagos, he said his administration was determined to develop the economy of the state.
“Bayelsa is gradually becoming the entertainment headquarters of Nigeria. Investment in AMAA is an investment in the future of Nigeria. We are committed to promoting Nigerian talents in movies, music and fashion. Bayelsa is building a film city, where filmmakers from all over the world can come and shoot their films. We are also developing our tourism infrastructure to make Bayelsa the leisure capital of Nigeria. I appeal to the leaders of the private sector to support AMAA and support our efforts in Bayelsa to enhance the capacity of our youths in the creative industry,” he said.
In her remark, the Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, recalled the history of AMAA with Bayelsa State government since 2005 and thanked former governor, Diepriye Alamyesigha and President Goodluck Jonathan for their support since inception.
According to her, “I want to appeal to the corporate Nigeria to support us in the creative industry. Nigerian young men and women should be supported to grow. Nollywood and our music are great cultural exports that the world has embraced and respected. Three presidents, who came for the Nigerian centenary event a few days ago in Abuja, said Nollywood and our music are popular around the world and in their countries. There is money to be made in this sector with the right support and investment. By sponsoring AMAA and other events in the industry, you will get returns on your investment.
“AMAA, in conjunction with our media partners, has developed multi-channel media platforms that will give your brands the right exposure, globally.’’
Some of the dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Ladi Balogun, chairman of the sponsors’ dinner, Tunde Ayeni, chairman of Skye Bank Plc., Albert Okumagba, managing director of BGL, Timi Alaibe, ex-managing director of NDDC, George Anyiam-Osigwe, group executive director of Anyiam Osigwe Group and King A.J Turner, among others.
Arik Air, Cool FM and Ebony Life TV also pledged to sponsor AMAA, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
-
Omotola, 2Face, Basketmouth for Nigerian Entertainment Conference
Organisers have announced readiness for the second edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NEC), which made debut last year, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Stakeholders had hailed the initiative, which theydescribed as first-of-its-kind gathering of professionals and policy makers in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Apparently, organisers are fired by the prospect of the summit, that they have scheduled this year’s event for Wednesday, April 23, at the same venue.
“We’re back at Eko for the whole day on Wednesday April 23, with even bigger speakers, remarkable panelists and participants from across the country,” says Conference Chairman, Ayeni Adekunle in a statement.
Adekunle, a PR Consultant and Publisher of NET newspaper, revealed that notable Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has agreed to join other distinguished speakers at the event. He described the thespian as creative, active and inspiring.
“Also speaking will be pop icon, 2face Idibia, a pathfinder and leader in contemporary Nigerian music; Co-Founder of Jobberman, Ope Awoyemi; Revered Showbiz consultant, Edi Lawani; and Founder/CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
“Others include Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth; Digital Marketing expert and GM of Bytesize, Bukola Akingbade; Chairman, Editorial Board of NET and COO Q Networks, Chris Ihidero; award-winning journalist, Olumide Iyanda; broadcaster and entertainment executive, Olisa Adibua; and respected actress/producer, Uche Jombo.”
According to Adekunle, the theme of the conference: ‘Creating Pathways to the Future’, will be the focus of discussions at different sessions of the event, including Nollywood, social responsibility, information technology, music, media and business.
“Just like last year, our speakers and panelists are the best in their fields, with an incredible passion for the development of the industry,” says Ayeni, who added that NEC 2014 will also feature panel discussions and exhibition.
The papers, according to Adekunle are: Slaying The Collective Rights Monster (MUSIC); Whose Content is it Anyway? (Media); Using IT for Intervention (IT); The Desired Future (Nollywood); Why We Should Care (Social Responsibility) and Solving The Distribution Problem Once and for All (Business).
Organisers say although attendance to all sessions and exhibitions is free, participants must register at www.nec.ng, from Wednesday March 19 to April 19.
He said comedian Tee A will return as Master of Ceremonies and moderator of the event.
NEC is produced by NET Newspapers LTD, with support from HIP TV, Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM, Top Radio, City FM, MTV Base, BHM, AV Edge, EDS, Emblue, F316, ID Africa, First Class Incorporated and The Sodium Group.
-
Best Picture or Best Actor?
IN the art and business of the motion picture, ‘Picture’ is arguably the ultimate determinant through which film and television works are rated. In an award scheme, a Best Picture is another world for Best Film. The category represents all the directing, acting, music composing, writing, editing and other efforts put into a film. Apparently, this is why the category is the last to be announced at every awards ceremony.
Wikipedia records that at the 1st Academy Awards ceremony (1927 and 1928), there were two categories considered as equally the top award of the night: ‘Outstanding Picture’ and ‘Unique and Artistic Production’, the former being won by the war epic, Wings and the latter by the art film, Sunrise.
Both the awards were intended to honour different and equally important aspects of superior filmmaking. The following year, the Academy dropped the ‘Unique and Artistic Production’ award and decided retroactively that the award won by Wings was the highest honour that could be awarded. Though the Academy kept the title ‘Outstanding Picture’ for the next ceremony, the name underwent several changes over the years, the last being in 1962 when it became ‘Best Picture’.
For an ‘evolving’ movie industry like Nollywood, emphasis must be placed on technical areas of filmmaking and encouragement given to filmmakers whose works have been rated best in a competition.
It is against this background that The Nation entertainment celebrates Steve McQueen’s slavery drama, 12 Years a Slave, for winning the Best Picture prize at this year’s Oscars. Same goes for Confusion Na Wa, the Nigerian film that won AMAA’s Best Film in 2013, and Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Contract for coming tops at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Lagos, last Saturday.
Interestingly, we learnt from Oscars records of about 10 Best Picture winning films that have gone on to win Best Picture, without receiving any acting nominations for any of their cast members. These films include Wings, All Quiet on the Western Front, Grand Hotel, An American in Paris, The Greatest Show On Earth, Around The World In 80 Days, Gigi, The Last Emperor, Braveheart and The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King.
While talking about the future of Nollywood, investing in community cinemas and other forms of distribution is paramount. However, it is equally important for the Project Act-Nollywood to identify great movie makers, who have achieved the Best Picture feat, and ensure that production budget in the Federal Government’s N3 billion intervention fund/grant scheme is targeted at these few people.
It is important to understand that a good Nigerian film has a greater export potential than a good Nigerian actor. Efforts should be made to identify Nigeria’s winners of Best Film and give the necessary support within this fund which, according to the government, is dedicated to addressing some of the challenges currently facing Nollywood.
If the federal Government truly means well for the film industry, it must tread softly on the usual jamboree of assembling actors and show more zeal through some quiet dinner with tested filmmakers.
Our government must rid itself of glamour and fantasy for a moment and face the reality of the industry. This reality represents the guys behind the camera and others like them who are holding the business edge of the industry.
The day a Nigerian film will get a major breakthrough in America, Europe, and least of all, South Africa, that will be the time to roll out the drums. When this happens, the actors can be invited to complement the dance.
-
When celebs reaped the fruits of their labour…
REWARD systems are part of showbiz. The Nigerian entertainment industry has witnessed some very glamorous awards this year. This includes AMAA, AMVCA AFRIFF, BON and The Headies, among others.
AMAA: The African Movie Academy Awards, a pan-African reward system, is one of the most glamorous awards in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The 2013 African Movie Academy Awards took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Saturday, April 20. It was a well-attended event. At the awards ceremony, a Nigerian movie, Confusion Na Wa clinched the prize for the Best Film.
The late Justus Esiri was honoured with the post-humous award for the Best Actor in a leading role, while Gabriel Afolayan received the Supporting Actor award.
At the nomination party, actors and filmmakers had the rare opportunity of being hosted by Her Excellency, President Joyce Banda, in Lilongwe, Malawi. The nominees were announced to a cross section of African dignitaries and filmmakers from around the world.
AFRIFF: This year’s edition of Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, which held in Calabar, Cross River State, will go down in history as one of the very important film festivals that have helped to redefine the place of Africa in the world of film-making.
Over 50 filmmakers from seven countries of the world as well as over 200 local filmmakers and stakeholders attended the awards ceremony.
Unlike the previous editions, this year’s awards ceremony had all the trappings of a high-profile film festival. While it lasted, Tinapa Resort, venue of the three-year-old festival, was a beehive of activities, including training, workshops, film screenings, interactive sessions and networking.
Part of the highlights of this year’s AFRIFF was the screening of South Africa’s controversial film, Of Good Report, which was banned from the opening of the Durban Film Festival a few months back.
The film, which was produced by Luzuko Dilima and Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, opened the festival, amidst some controversies.
AMVCA: The first edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards took place on Saturday, March 9, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Nollywood actor, O.C Ukeje, and Ghana’s Jackie Appiah walked away with the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, respectively.
Though new in the annals of Nollywood awards, it was well-attended by topflight actors and actresses.
Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji, Jim Iyke, Funke Akindele, Tunde Kelani, Jackie Appiah, Olu Jacobs, O.C. Ukeje, Liz Benson, Akin Omotosho, Stephanie Okereke, Rita Dominic, Nadia Buari and more graced the event.
Artistes that performed at the event hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Vimbai Mutinhiri included Femi Kuti, Iyanya, Banky W., Tiwa Savage and Sautisol from Kenya.
BON: The 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards took place on Thursday, December 5, at the Dome in Asaba, Delta.
Some of the winners were Fathia Balogun, Omoni Oboli, Rita Dominic, O.C Ukeje and Alex Ekubo.
Confusion Na Wa won BON’s Movie of the Year and Director of the Year awards respectively, among others.