In a significant milestone for the African film industry, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) is poised to celebrate its tenth edition, a prestigious event recognizing excellence in filmmaking across the continent.
Following the success of the captivating ninth edition in 2023, organizers MultiChoice Nigeria and Africa Magic are gearing up for a grand ceremony later this year to honour and celebrate the best of African film talent.
To mark this landmark edition, MultiChoice Nigeria and Africa Magic are inviting submissions from African filmmakers for films publicly exhibited or broadcast between December 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. The submission period opens on January 15, 2024, and closes on February 14, 2024. Eligible entries include films aired in cinemas or on television, including made-for-television movies and series.
Addressing the upcoming tenth edition, Dr. Busola Tejumola, Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, underlined Africa Magic’s commitment to presenting true African stories.
“Over the past decade, Africa Magic has steadfastly upheld its commitment to spotlighting authentic African stories, especially those that mirror our diverse and rich cultures. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, we embark on a bold initiative to reevaluate our award categories to further align with global trends and benchmarks. This includes retiring specific categories, streamlining others, and revisiting the voting and non-voting classifications.”
The tenth edition will witness a reduction in categories from 33 to 27, featuring 16 non-voting and 9 audience voting categories alongside Recognition Awards. Notable changes include streamlining performance awards into Best Actor or Best Actress in Leading or Supporting Roles, with winners determined by a voting jury instead of the previous audience voting system.
The non-voting categories, totalling 16, will have winners determined by a diverse and experienced jury, led by the head juror. These categories include Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Best Writing in a Movie and TV Series, Best Movie and TV Series, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, and Best Sound Design, Editing, and Makeup.
Public participation remains integral, with the opportunity to vote in categories such as Best Scripted and Unscripted Africa Magic Original, Best Digital Content Creator, Best Indigenous Language (West, East, and Southern Africa), Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film, and Best Indigenous Africa Magic Original. The remaining 8 audience voting categories, including Best Scripted and Unscripted Africa Magic Original, will be determined by the public, verified by Deloitte.
In categories such as Best Digital Content Creator, Best Indigenous Language (West, East, and Southern Africa), Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film, Best Indigenous Africa Magic Original, and Best Scripted and Unscripted Africa Magic Original, the audience has the opportunity to cast their votes.
In the remaining 8 audience voting categories, the public will determine the winners. Deloitte will continue to process and verify the voting results. Public voting categories include Best Scripted and Unscripted Africa Magic Original, Best Digital Content Creator, Best Indigenous Language (West, East, and Southern Africa), Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film, and Best Indigenous Africa Magic Original
Dr. Busola Tejumola expressed gratitude to the viewers and stakeholders, stating, “The AMVCAs remain committed to celebrating the incredible talent in the African film and television industry.”
Filmmakers interested in submitting their work for consideration can find details on the official submission website: https://www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA.
The tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is proudly presented by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, with Amstel Malta as the headline sponsor.