Filmmaker and head honcho of BAP Productions, Bolanle Austen-Peters, has heaped praises on the Africa Movie Academy Awards saying the Africa Film industry needs the awards like AMAA.
This is coming on the heels of the preparations towards 2022 edition of AMAA scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
On her thoughts about AMAA being a continental award that rewards true, thorough and industry professionalism, she said, “I think it’s important. It’s not just about the awards, it’s about people getting recognition for their work. Making films isn’t easy and we need the AMAA to keep up the good work of encouraging burgeoning filmmakers on the continent.”
On the nominations of one of her many films, ‘Man Of God,’ which scooped over five nominations at 2022 AMAA, Austen-Peters said her team set out to tell a good story with a globally accepted production but ended up with honour and several award nominations.
“I am honoured, excited, and humbled. When we set out to make these films, we were thinking about telling a good story with good production value and creating entertainment. So to get this level of recognition is an honour,” she said.
Speaking further, she said, “I think it gives validation to all the hard work my team puts in. These films are a labour of love for everyone involved so it’s always fulfilling when the audience you made it for recognizes that hard work.”
On her chances and which of the nominations she thinks ‘Man Of God’ would win, Austen-Peters said, “All of them but seriously, being nominated alongside filmmakers from all over the continent is already quite the achievement.”
Austen-Peters is one of the African filmmakers whose works got over five nominations at the upcoming AMAAs.
Speaking on the preparedness of the 2022 AMAA team, the content director and show producer Kingsley James said all is set while promising a good show.
In her words Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Founder of AMAA, said the activities for 2022 AMAA will leave attendees and African film industry in awe.
“The 2022 AMAA is going to blow your mind. We have been working hard at this and you can be certain all hands are on deck. We are being led by our amiable host and executive Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the commissioner for Culture, Art, and Tourism, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.
“Lagos can’t wait to have the African film industry in Lagos for the entirety of a week where different activities ranging from film conferences to training sessions, African Film Academy graduation, fashion show and the awards ceremony itself.
“This is not to forget the quality of films that have gotten multiple nominations, leading film stars who are vying for various categories and the venue, I am sure you will be in a state of awe when you get to our venue. AMAA is a continental award in the range of the OSCARS because most of the films that win or get nominated at AMAA go on to shine at global film festivals and break barriers at cinemas across Africa and in diaspora,” she said.
The 2022 edition of AMAA is the 18th edition and promises to hold on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in Lekki, Lagos.