From bringing life to beautiful storylines to choosing to spotlight and raise awareness for societal issues like depression, child molestation, and several others through film, the AMVCA 10 Best Short Film category seeks to celebrate African talents keen on creating intriguing, entertaining, and yet educative world-class short-form films. Here are this year's nominees and their remarkable work:
Man and Masquerades by Adekunle Blue
Known for her passion for telling stories that inspire change, shift mindsets, and tackle stereotypes, Adekunle Blue achieved that yet again on Man and Masquerades, an experimental art film that follows the story of Nwankeagu, a young violist and painter who struggles with the trauma of watching his father (a highly respected masquerade) commit suicide. Along the way, Agu meets Gbenro, an OAP whose wife is abusing him. Their unexpected meeting opens old wounds, causing Nwakeagu to confront his past and start his journey towards healing.
Adekunle Blue's short film explores African masculinity and vitally portrays the impact of rigid gender bias, assumptions, and stereotypes in most African societies. Click here to vote for this profoundly moving body of work.
Broken Mask by Kagho Idhebor
Two-time Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Cinematography nominee, Kagho Idhebor's talent and love for cinematography has earned him a spot on the nominee list yet again! His short film Broken Mask is a contender for this year's Best Short Film.
Featuring Brustus Richards and Darasimi Nadi, Broken Mask is a short film that spotlights the psychological trauma of child molestation from a father's point of view. To vote for Kagho, click here!
Eighteenth Year by Mohamed Beder Hasaan
Written, directed, and produced by Egyptian cinematographer Mohamed Beder Hasaan, Eighteenth Year focuses on the psychological journey of a young man who feels his death at the age of eighteen. Eighteenth Year is Mohamed Beder Hasaan's first short film, and it is now AMVCA nominated! Support this huge feat by voting for him here.
T'egbon T'aburo by Nwani Orire & Josh Olaolu
T'egbon T'aburo, meaning "Siblings," is a short film about Moji, a grieving mother who lost her son Yemi in a tragic accident years ago. One night, her estranged sister, Mosunmola, appears at her doorstep, seeking forgiveness for her past mistakes.
Moji's anger and pain resurface as she struggles to come to terms with her sister's request. The two sisters confront their past. Mosun pleads for forgiveness and urges Moji to forgive herself as well. Amidst old hurt and anger, Moji begins to consider the possibility of healing and moving forward. However, a shocking phone call reveals new information that challenges Moji's sense of peace and again leaves her shattered.
Directed and produced by Orire Nwani and Josh Olaolu, T'egbon T'aburo explores themes of forgiveness, grief, and the complexity of familial relationships. Are you a fan of this short film? Vote now.
A Place Called Forward (Climate Change) by Umanu Elijah
With his short film, A Place Called Forward, Umanu Elijah seeks to spotlight the ripple effects of climate change in Nigeria. Packed with famous stars like Wale Ojo, Fred Amata, and Judith Audu, the film follows the story of a man struggling with the pain of the death of his wife and children caused by soot poisoning. To vote for A Place Called Forward, click here.
Voting for AMVCA 10 closes on April 28, 2024 - Vote now to ensure your favourite short film wins!
The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards is brought to viewers by Africa Magic in partnership with Amstel Malta as the lead sponsor. Other sponsors include Pepsi, Promasidor, Martell, Tecno, Verve, QuickTeller, Tiger Beer, MTN, and Indomie. The award show is scheduled for May 11 with a live broadcast across all Africa Magic Channels on DStv and GOtv.