Organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have opened the call for entries for the event’s 12th edition, inviting filmmakers and content creators across Africa to submit eligible works between January 11 and February 15, 2026.
The announcement from MultiChoice emphasises the awards’ role in celebrating excellence in African film, television, and entertainment. The event is scheduled to take place in Lagos in May 2026, with further details to be announced.
The AMVCA, established in 2013 by Africa Magic in partnership with MultiChoice, has grown into one of the continent’s most prestigious platforms for recognising outstanding achievements in storytelling, acting, production, and creative innovation.
The awards spotlight the richness and diversity of African narratives, driving industry growth and providing visibility for both established and emerging talent.
Over the years, the ceremony has become a catalyst for industry engagement, bringing together creatives, sponsors, and stakeholders who champion and invest in Africa’s cultural and entertainment sectors.
The AMVCA’s influence extends beyond awards night, shaping market trends in content consumption and elevating the profile of African productions on global platforms.
According to organisers, submissions for the 12th edition will be accepted from January 11 to February 15, 2026, through the official AMVCA online portal.
Eligible entries must have been publicly screened or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Feature-length films must have been shown in cinemas, on linear television, or on streaming platforms to qualify.
This year’s awards ceremony will include 32 categories, comprising 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted awards, two Lifetime Achievement Awards, and one Trailblazer Award. These categories honour excellence across a broad spectrum of film and television disciplines.
The 12th AMVCA also introduces expanded Indigenous Language categories, including Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa, reflecting a commitment to Pan-African representation and cultural preservation.
Don Julio has been unveiled as the lead sponsor for the 2026 AMVCA, a partnership organisers describe as part of the awards’ evolution into a premium cultural platform that celebrates African creativity and craftsmanship.
The opening of entries for the 12th AMVCA presents significant opportunities for Africa’s creative community, particularly urban filmmakers and content producers seeking continental recognition.
Participating in the awards can boost visibility, attract investment, and connect creators with new audiences and markets. The expanded Indigenous Language categories may also encourage more inclusive storytelling that reflects Africa’s linguistic diversity.
For Nigeria’s entertainment industry — one of the continent’s largest — the AMVCA continues to serve as a key driver of cultural export, fostering collaborations that expand commercial prospects for film and television productions. Local production companies and independent creators may leverage the platform to secure distribution deals, sponsorships, and partnerships that enhance sustainability and growth.
With the call for entries now open, the 12th AMVCA is positioned to further elevate African storytelling and strengthen the creative economy. Filmmakers, producers, and storytellers across the continent are encouraged to submit their best work before the February 15 deadline and engage with a platform that champions innovation, diversity, and excellence in entertainment.
