Uba Movie Africa Academy Awards 2008 Officially Launched

None can dispute the fact that the Arts industry has suffered from neglect for sometime now. The law makers hardly realize the effort of those involved towards nation building but thank God for touching the hearts of individuals who have the industry at heart to recognize what they are doing and award them accordingly. The African Movie Academy (AMA) in association with United Bank for Africa (UBA) is once again awarding distinguished film makers, actors and actresses in Africa. The awards UBA-AMA Awards 2008, a galaxy of African stars, is geared at giving recognition and appreciation to distinguished film makers, actors and actresses and the same time seek to promote film as a tool for effective communication and human development through entertainment and education. In a speech delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of AMA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe during the launch of UBA AMA at House of Ovation in Accra Ghana, she made it known to all present that the awards is not only for Nigerians but rather the whole of Africa and also 174 films and short documentary where in competition and Ghana has 5 of its films in the competition. Also the board is made up of an international jury which comprises of good African film makers. Also present was the Minister for chieftaincy and Culture Hon. S.K Boafo and in his keynote address urged all African film makers to fully explore the great potential of Africa’s rich cultural heritage to produce films which will positively sell our great continent to the rest of the world and boost her tourism industry. He also prayed that Ghana draws enough inspiration from the high quality of professionalism and commitment exhibited in Nollywood productions, to revive and revolutionize her flagging industry which is appropriate instead of attempting to copy and incorporate the styles and techniques of others. UBA, a proud sponsor of AMAA for the next three years pledged to support the numerous pioneering efforts and help to grow them to its peak. As African’s global bank they want to partner with innovative and enterprising African initiatives and wants to promote indigenous African culture, value and standards while at the same time encouraging talent development, creativity etc that is African in nature. Present at the launch were actors and actresses both young and old, the media and people with interest in the Arts. The main event will be held on the 26th of April at Yenagoa-Bayelsa state in Nigeria.