As the Africa Movie Academy Awards savours its new-found relationship with the Lagos State Government, the Chairman, AMAA College of Screeners, Mr. S
As the Africa Movie Academy Awards savours its new-found relationship with the Lagos State Government, the Chairman, AMAA College of Screeners, Mr. Shuaibu Hussein, has said that it received 400 entries from film-makers from within and outside the country for this year’s edition.
According to him, they were submitted from 72 countries, covering Africa, North America, South America and Europe where Africans in the Diaspora make films. The award will hold in Lagos as Governor Akinwumi Ambode, last week, accepted the hosting right during a courtesy call by the leadership of AMAA.
While it will hold at the National Theatre, the first leg of the show, which is the nominations gala night, will take place at Kigali, Rwanda, on April 22. Ambode noted that AMAA’s coming to Lagos at the point when the state was celebrating her 50 years anniversary made it historic.
He said, “This is a very historic moment for us in Lagos. Without your sector, there is no Lagos. So, when we say 50 years, we are talking about 50 years of history. Somebody documents it, somebody dramatises 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.”
Founder of the academy, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, expressed joy and appreciation to the governor and the government of Lagos State .
She noted that, beyond hosting the awards, the organisation wanted a strategic relationship with the state, one that would 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 State who supports and invests in the creative sector of our economy. That entertainment and tourism are an 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 the state to deliver a great experience,” she said.
