Next edition of AMVCA will be bigger – Ogbe

As MultiChoice Nigeria unveils the third edition of the AfricanMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, its Managing Director, Mr. John Ugbe, has stressed the company’s desire to unearth more skills and talents on the continent.

In a statement where the organisers declared the 2014 edition of AMVCA opens, Ogbe expressed delight at what is described as the growing success of the awards.

He said, “There have been two editions of the AMVCAs and, so far, the improvement that this award has brought to African film production cannot be ignored. For us as MultiChoice, the success of these awards further showcases our commitment to recognising the amazing skills that exist in this ever-growing industry. Furthermore, our continued investment demonstrates our dedication in helping unearth and celebrate talent in the whole continent. I have much confidence that the next edition in 2015 will leave an even bigger impact on the African film production industry than the previous two.”

AfricaMagic says a special inauguration programme will be broadcast on Africa Magic channels on September 3, and participants can begin to send in their entries from the same day. Winners will be announced at an award night at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos in March 2015.

It adds, “The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the 2013 and 2014 editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2015 edition.”

The Brand Manager, Amstel Malta – sponsors of the awards – Miss Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf, is also quoted as saying it is a unique platform which aligns perfectly with the brand’s essence, encouraging and also rewarding young ambitious Africans who have proved to be the best they can be.

In the last edition, multi-award winning actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, took home the award for best actress in Michele Racca’s Journey To Self while Ghanaian film producer/director, Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s movie The Contract won in several categories. The 2014 AMVCAs also saw renowned film and TV veteran, Pete Edochie, clinching the prestigious lifetime achievement award.