This past Saturday I got invited to a cocktail by DSTV who were hosting a live screening of the First ever Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. This was held at Under the Radar. I was excited about attending the event. First of all because I love movies. But also because as a wanna be script writer I wanted to see what kind of movies and series connected with the audience.
We had a fantastic time. There were a couple of Kenyan nominees including:
Maureen Koech for lies that bind (best supporting actress) won,
Ngendo Mukiik for Yellow Fever (best short film) won ,
Carol Mbugua (best art director),
Lies that Bind –Reg Chuhi and Kevin Ireri (best picture Editor),
Sakalakata – Henry Lenga (best local language movie Swahili),
Zeinabu Rudi Nyumbani – Quentin Hughes and Alex Konstantaras (best local language movie Swahili)
The XYZ show _ Godffrey Mwampembwa and Marie Lora-Mungai (best television series) won
DemiGods – Benjamin Odiwuor Abonyo (best television series)
Makutano junction Patricia Gichinga/ David Campbell (best television series)
The full list of nominations.
1. Aryan Kaganof: AMVCA Best Pix Editor Winner (Man On Ground)
2. Best Local Language Yoruba goes to – Tunde Kelani for Maami
3. Best Art Director—Anita and Chantel carter
4. The award for best local language (swahili) goes to Sameer Srivastava/Sanjni Srivastava – The Ray of Hope
5. The Best Art director award winner is Anita Van Hermert and Chantel Carter – Othelo Burning
6. Ngozi Obasi won Best Costume Design
7. Best Sound Editor (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Michael Botha & Joel Assaizky for Man on Ground
8. Best Hausa Movies (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Nura A. Ali/Hafizu Bello
9. Best Comedy Writer (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Tim Greene ~ Skeem
10. Best Make Up Artist (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Jacqui Bannermen ~Otelo Burning
11. Best Costume Designer (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Ngozi Abasi – The Mirror Boy
12. Best Art Director (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Anita Van Hemert & Chantel Carter ~ Otelo Burning
13. Best Television Series (Drama/Comedy) ~ Godfrey Mwampembwa & Marie Lora – Mungai ~The Xyz Show
14. Best Drama Writer (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Obi & Amaka Emelonye ~ The Mirror Boy
15. Industry Merit Award ~ Olu Jacobs Presented By Veteran Thespian Taiwo Ajayi Lycett
16. Best Short Film ~ Ngendo Mukii ~ Yellow Fever
17. Best Trail Blazer Actor/Actress ~ Ivie Okujaiy
18. Best Actress In A Comedy ~ Mercy Johnson ~ Dumebi The Dirty Girl
19. Best TV series goes to XYZ show.
20. Best Actor In A Comedy ~ Hafiz Oyetoro ~ House Apart
21. Best Supporting Actress In (Movie/Tv Series) ~ Maureem Koech ~ Lies That Bind
22. Best Supporting Actor In A Comedy (Movie/Tvseries) ~ Matthew Nabwiso ~ A Good Catholic Girl
23. ~ Best Actress In A Drama( Movie/Tv Series) ~ Jackie Appiah
24. Best Actor In A Drama (Movie/Tv Series) ~Oc Ukeje ~ Two Brides & A Baby
Before the awards began and as stars were going on the red carpet we had a discussion about movies and series in Kenya. We talked about the fact that Kenya is sold as a place to shoot movies but the government doesn’t encourage local film making. Yes it has put up the minimum content that’s supposed to be Kenyan for local TV stations but it doesn’t give incentives or tax breaks for Kenyan film makers.
We also had a discussion about how scriptwriters in Kenya are not given their due. Scriptwriters are valued the least and paid as much.
I enjoyed watching the red carpet. Most of the people were looking gorgeous. We commented the way people take going to events in Kenya so (not) seriously. The audience for the show showed us how it should be done. There was a guy, though; I think he is a presenter or something, was very interesting. He had crazy hair, lovely jackets (he changed five times) and he kept me and my friend Mwende entertained.
Then there was this guy below salala
Looking Good!!!!!The event went very well. Mwirigi was our small group’s MC telling us who the nominees were for each category. Actually we were calling him our returning officer. We cheered on the Kenyan nominees and were crushed when some didn’t win.
It was exciting to see Sauti Sol performing. Mad cheers went out for them although it felt like they performed for one minute.
Thanks to DSTV Kenya for inviting us. I will write some thoughts on what I learnt from those awards another time. We had a great time. DSTV Kenya treated us really well. It was a great event with a lot of laughs including dissing this presenter whose hips were lying.
