These films reflect the diverse nature of storytelling that defines African cinema.
By Joseph Jonathan
The recently unveiled nominations for the highly anticipated tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have sparked both excitement and debate. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming awards ceremony slated for May 11th, 2024, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, enjoy our review of some of the nominated films. These films reflect the diverse nature of storytelling that defines African cinema.
Grown
Nominated in the Best MultiChoice Talent Factory Movie category, this young-adult film, revolves around seventeen–year–old Osas (Sarah Soma Obiekwe) who longs for adulthood, and its promise of limitless freedom and uncurtailed movement.
Read the full review here.
Mami Wata
It is the second most nominated film having gotten nods in 12 categories: Best Movie, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Writing (Movie), Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Art Direction, and Best Lead Actress. Directed by CJ “Fiery” Obasi, Mami Wata is bold, beautiful and makes a political statement.
Read the full review here.
Jagun Jagun: The Warrior
Being one of the most nominated films with 10 nominations is no mean feat. With nominations in the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Lead Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Writing (Movie), Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction categories, this action-packed Yoruba epic is impressive. But is it memorable? Find out.
Read our full review here.
Ijogbon
Nominated in the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), Best Supporting Actress, and Best Cinematography categories, Kunle Afolayan‘s coming-of-age adventure film, serves as a reminder of the universality of human nature. While it is relatable, our review pointed out its lack of attention to detail.
Read the full review here.
Orisa
Nominated for Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), the Odunlade Adekola-directed Yoruba epic features rousing acting performances, with a narrative that is at once as thrilling as it is comedic.
Read the full review here.
Breath of Life
BB Sasore’s faith-based film is tied with Jagun Jagun as the third most nominated film in 10 categories, namely Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Lead Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Writing Movie, Best Director, Best Movie, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Art Direction. Breath of Life is a grand story albeit tinged with avoidable flaws.
Read the full review here.
The Black Book
A groundbreaking film by many standards, The Black Book snagged up nominations in the Best Supporting Actress, Best Lead Actor, Best Movie, Best Editing, and Best Art Direction categories. The Editi Effiong-directed film is a reflection of Nigeria’s socio-political realities.
Read the full review here.
The Origin: Madam Koi Koi
Despite the mixed reactions that followed the release of this two-part film, it picked up two nominations in the Best Supporting Actress and Best Lead Actress categories. Directed by Jay Franklyn Jituboh, the film reiterates Nollywood’s challenge with handling sensitive subjects.
Read the full review here.
Adire
Nominated in the Best Lead Actress category, the Adeoluwa Owu-directed film is testament to the fact that admirable acting can sometimes save a haphazard plot.
Read the full review here.
A Tribe Called Judah
Nollywood’s highest grossing film of all-time earned nominations in the Best Supporting Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Makeup, Best Writing (Movie), and Best Movie categories. Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah is a worthwhile film, and its tardy moments make it all the more rewarding.
Read the full review here.
Blood Vessel
The Moses Inwang-directed thriller bagged nominations for Best Lead Actor, Best Director, Best Movie, Best Lead Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Art Direction. However, Blood Vessel is another politically charged film that slips into inertia.
Read the full review here.
As the countdown to the landmark tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) intensifies, it remains to be seen how many award winners would emerge from the various nominations of these films.