African stars emerge at 19th AMAAs

The work of African filmmakers and stars was recognised at the recently concluded 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAAs).

The event was held in Lagos and was hosted by Nancy Isime, Rahama Sadau and Richard Ato Turkson. It celebrated and honoured outstanding achievements in the African film industry.

The winners include animated film Jabari by Francis Brown, which won the Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation. The Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language was presented to Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo, while Jude Idada won the Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-Born Director Living Abroad.

The Efere Ozaka Award For Best Short Film went to Lions (Ethiopia); Le Spectre de Boko Haram (Cameroon) won the award for Best Documentary; Tobi Bakre won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Brotherhood); and Nse Ikpe Etim won Best Actress in a Leading Role (Four Four Forty-Four).

Brown said: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the extraordinary AMAA team for their unwavering commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in African cinema. Your dedication in creating this world-class awards scheme that honours Africa’s finest in film is truly commendable.

“This victory is not mine alone, nor does it belong solely to my dedicated team at AnimaxFYB in Ghana. Instead, it is a triumph for an entire nation, my beloved motherland, Ghana.

“Jabari stands as the sole Ghanaian film chosen for this year’s awards, and this achievement is nothing short of remarkable. To be not only selected but to take home the award from such a prestigious event is an honour beyond words. The continent is brimming with immense talent and untapped potential, ready to make a mark in the global animation industry. I implore you to support us in bridging the revenue gap and help us tell the authentic stories of Africa.”