by BENJAMIN NJOKU
Nollywood producers and stars will not forget in a hurry the shock and trauma they incurred last Sunday when they watched their counterparts from Congo and South Africa sweep all the prizes at the 2011 African Movie Academy Awards(AMAA).
Congo and South Africa won multiple awards in various categories to humble Nigeria. The country failed to consolidate on her leading position as far as film making is concerned in Africa.
South African film Izulu Lami – My Secret Sky
Against the previous record set by Kunle Afolayan’s “Figurine”, which won five awards during last year’s edition to put the nation on top, Nollywood lagged behind this year, winning only on two competitive categories in Best Sound and Best Costume awards with “Inale” directed by Jeta Amata and Niji Akanji’s film “Aramotu.”
The third prize won also by “Aramotu” in Best Nigerian film category was an endowed prize by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The Congolese film “Viva Riva”emerged the best film, winning six out of the seven categories in which it was nominated to set a new record in Africa.
The prizes won includes; Best Film, Best Actress In Supporting Role (Marlene Longage), Best Actor In Supporting Role (Hoji Fortuna), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Director (Congo’s Djo Tunda Wa Munga).
“Viva Riva”, according to the producer, is the first film made in Congo’s native Ngala Language in twenty years and it took the crew five years of hard work to complete.
Another film from Congo, “After the Mine” also won the Best Short Documentary, making it seven awards in all for Congo.
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