- Hosts Nominations in Kigali
Organisers of the prestigious pan-African reward and recognition platform for professionals in the film industry, Africa Movie Academy Awards have asked for an enduring partnership with the Lagos State Government as the host state for the 13th edition of the awards scheduled to take place on Sunday 11th June, 2017.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode accepted the hosting right during a courtesy call by the leadership of AMAA to his office in Lagos where the Governor also announced that the award event will hold at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
The first leg of the continental show which is the nominations gala night where nominees will be announced into the 28 categories of the awards from the total films in competition will take place at Kigali, the capital City of Rwanda on Saturday 22nd April, 2017.
Governor Ambode in accepting the hosting rights noted that AMAA coming to Lagos at the point when the state is celebrating her 50 years anniversary makes it historic, “this is a very historic moment for us in Lagos. 2017 we are celebrating the existence of Lagos for 50 years. If you look at the calendar, you would wonder in what ways and manner can we celebrate Lagos?“Without your sector, there is no Lagos. So, when we say 50 years, we are talking about 50 years of history, so somebody documents it, somebody dramatizes it, and then somebody keeps it, so that those who are yet unborn would see it, so even when we are not there, it would be displayed through your creative talents. I formally accept on behalf of the government of Lagos State the hosting rights for AMAA 2017,” he said.
In her response, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who is the founder of the awards organisation expressed her joy and appreciation to the governor and the government of Lagos State for accepting to be the host state adding that beyond hosting the awards the organisation wants a strategic relationship with the state that will promote the entire creative industry as a major contributor to the economy of the state and the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“It is amazing to have a Governor in Lagos States that supports and invests in the creative sector of our economy. That entertainment and tourism are integral part of Lagos State Government’s policy to create employment and opportunities for youths is very gratifying. My team and I are humbled and very much grateful for the honour to have Lagos as our official host State for AMAA 2017. We will work with Lagos State to deliver a great experience,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of College of Screeners and a Jury member, Mr. Shuaibu Hussein has disclosed that the pre-screening process of the awards has been completed adding that the College of Screeners will resume at their camp to consider the films that will be sent to the Jurors for consideration for nominations after which winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Lagos.
Over 400 films were submitted from 72 countries of the world covering Africa, North America, South America and Europe where African in Diaspora make films.