By Yinka Akanbi
Organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) have announced that the ninth edition of the awards will hold between May 18 and 20, 2023.
They also disclosed the return of veteran film director, producer and writer, Femi Odugbemi, as Jury Head.
Femi Odugbemi
According to the organisers, the three-day event will be a celebration of film production talents, culture, fashion, music and other elements of African entertainment.
Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola, while announcing the schedule for this year’s AMVCA, said the awards has been a yardstick for measuring excellence in the movie industry, and this edition would be unique.
“The AMVCA has in the last eight years become the unit by which excellence is measured and recognised and this 9th edition of the AMVCAs stands in a unique position being hosted in the 20th year of Africa Magic operations in Nigeria and at a point when cinematic output across Africa is entering a phase of global recognition and appreciation.
“This year, in partnership with Amstel and Zagg Energy Drink, we will be hosting a three-day event that has begun with the call to entry which ended March 17. We have a 40 per cent increase in the number of entries compared to the last edition. Shortlisting has begun and we will move to the judging phases.
“The nominees’ announcement will be on April 9 at 7pm, across all Africa Magic channels, after which the voting portal will open.”
Tejumola added that the three-day celebration of the 2023 AMVCA would start on May 18 with the Opening Night and Cultural Day event, followed by the Digital Content Creators, Young Filmmakers Day and then the Runway Show/Nominees Gala on May 19. The celebration will climax with the Award Night on May 20.
In his remarks, Odugbemi said: “From its very beginnings, the AMVCA has been a celebration of Africa, a celebration of our cultures, our heritage, our stories, our stars and the excellence of their talent.
“The work of our jury will be difficult as many of the shortlisted entries show technical excellence, great storytelling and enthralling performances. As usual there are categories of nominees as well where we invite you to vote for your favourite shows. Please support your choices with your vote.”