By Benjamin Njoku

Penultimate Sunday, organisers of  the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) scored another brilliant point when it flagged-off  the screening of  its 2012 winning movies at the Freedom Park, on the Lagos Island.

The project, which has already begun to add value to the cause of using films and cinemas as a vehicle to drive development in Africa, especially among youths, reiterated the commitment of the academy towards promoting the African films  and cultures across the globe.

The evening witnessed  the screening of three award winning movies,  “Otelo Burning”, “Alero’s Symphony” and “The Figurine” by Kunle Afolayan.  In attendance were  prominent entertainers including, Rita Dominic, Abiola ‘Madam Kofo’ Atanda, Michelle Dede and Sola Kosoko. Immediately after the screening, there was an exclusive evening with the founder/CEO of AMAA, Miss Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, where she reviewed the activities of the academy which was established since 2005.

According to her, the glamour and popularity of AMAA has taken her by surprise. “The AMAAs started in 2005, and as I travel more, and  as I meet more people, I’m suddenly realizing, ‘Wow, I actually did do something.’ People talk about the AMAAs as an event that brings all filmmakers in Africa and from the African Diaspora together.”

“With the AMAAs, we have an award where we recognize ourselves amongst ourselves, and there’s a stimulated competition between the African countries over who’s going to win the next one. So it makes better films for us.” she said