Nigeria set to host AMAA this Sunday, 22 April 2012

Lagos, Nigeria is set to host Africa and the international film community at the eighth Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), taking place this Sunday, 22 April 2012, at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites. At the World Media Conference held in Lagos recently, AMAA founder Peace Anyiam Osigwe announced “Africa Rising” as the theme of this year’s awards. “After decades of being one of the largest consumers of foreign films in the world, the nearly one billionstrong African audience is embracing its continent’s unique stories and storytellers,” says Peace.  “A new wave of African filmmakers has emerged across the continent. In Nigeria, Nollywood has effectively repositioned Africa’s creative industries. South Africa, known for years as a popular service destination for international films, is now making a record number of local films. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo have made a good showing internationally, with Viva Riva! winning Best Film at the

seventh edition of AMAA and being released to critical acclaim in 18 countries across the continent.” Some of the biggest names from black Hollywood will be at The AMAAs, including Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Lynn Whitfield (The JosephineBaker Story and Without a Trace); Morris Chestnut (American Horror Story, Boyz in the Hood); Rockmond Dunbar (Prison Break, Sons of Anarchy) and Maya Gilbert (General Hospital, Days of Our Lives). continued