AMVCAs: Africa Magic, Multichoice unveil new Head Judge
Africa Magic and Multichoice recently unveiled leading South African filmmaker, Desiree Markgraaff, as the Head Judge for the 2017 edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs). The unveiling took place in Johannesburg in the presence of prominent South African filmmakers and media representatives.
Markgraaff is co-owner and CEO of The Bomb Shelter Productions, a leading South African film and television production company. A council member of the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) and Chairperson of the NFVF Fiction committee, she has been at the forefront of creating some of South Africa’s most successful television content, including Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Jacob’s Cross, Isibaya, Ayeye, Amandla, and as well as many works celebrated around the world.
Speaking on the appointment, the CEO of M-Net, Yolisa Phahle said: “We are delighted to announce Desiree as the Head Judge of the AMVCAs. Desiree brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the role. The AMVCAs is an acknowledgement and celebration of the contribution made by Pan African filmmakers, actors and technicians to the success of the continent’s film and television industries, and we believe the appointment of Desiree further restates our commitment to professionalism and true Pan-African representation at the awards.”
For the 2017 edition, a number of awards in different categories will be presented ranging from acting and directing to scriptwriting and cinematography. Other categories will include: editing, soundtrack, make-up, sound, and lighting amongst others. There are 27 categories in all, with 16 open to viewers and 11 decided by the AMVCA panel of judges.
All films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry if they are broadcast or publicly screened between 1 October 2015 and 30 September 2016. Entry is free and the closing date for submissions is October 28, 2016.
Also speaking at the event, the Regional Director for M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “Since the first edition in 2013, the AMVCAs have gone on to become the biggest celebration of film and television talent in Africa. The South African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talent, and we encourage all eligible filmmakers to enter for the 2017 AMVCAs. Entries are currently open and we ask aspiring South African filmmakers to take advantage of the AMVCA platform to showcase their skills and passion to the rest of the world.”
The newly announced Head Judge challenged South African filmmakers, at the event, to take advantage of the entry process and show Africa and the rest of the world the skill and quality inherent in the South African film and TV industry.
“The recognition that the AMVCAs bring to nominated and winning works is immense. Since the inception of the awards in 2013, we have seen the dramatic increase in the quality and quantity of the works entered, and when you are nominated for an AMVCA you know you have gained continental and global recognition. I urge all South African filmmakers who meet the criteria to enter their films and show the world the amount of talent and creativity abundant in this region,” added Markgraaff.
The awards ceremony is the prestigious initiative that honours film and TV talent across the continent. The AMVCA which is now in its fifth edition takes place in Lagos, Nigeria on March 3 and 4, 2017.
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