Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa’s short film Run leads with 13 Africa Movie Academy Awards 2015 Nominations
*Founded by Nigerian native Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, as part of the African Film Academy, The Africa Movie Academy Awards recently announced its 2015 nominations at H.O.M.E. in Beverly Hills, California with actress Rolonda Watts as host of its nominations’ dinner. The Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa short film Run received the most nominations with 13 in such categories as Best Short Film, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay, Best Female Supporting Role, Best Male Leading Role, Best Actress Leading Role and Best Film Director.
“I love those heady films like ‘Seven.’ Psychological thrillers and I love a good romance,” said event host actress/talk show host Rolonda Watts (“The West Wing”) about what films she favors over others. “I love tear-jerker’s…films where I feel enriched as a human being, where I want to go out and do something.”
The Africa Movie Academy Awards picked the right American to host their red carpeted event, mixed with different cultures, because she is sweet, witty and very funny. Watts started in the entertainment business as a television correspondent for “Inside Edition” before launching her own talk show now called “Sundays With Rolonda” (www.SundaysWithRolonda.com) which is broadcasted online and has recently been picked up by CBS’ new digital platform.
A platform is what The Africa Movie Academy Awards provide for film projects of black film makers to the people in Africa and the rest of the world. Its purpose is to celebrate artistry and its vision/mission is to promote African culture, encourage professionalism, offer professional development, and networking opportunities.
“It’s a combination and timing,” said Oscar Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. (Roots), who attended the event, when asked what he feels is most important to a film the script or the actors. “It’s what we think the audience will go crazy over. If we do it well the film is still relevant five to 10 years later…those Raisins in the Sun, Roots, Gone with the Wind, plus good luck.”
Following Run with the most nominations from the 11th annual African awards event was iNumbers from South Africa with 10. The Africa Movie Academy Awards Nominations’ Dinner was red carpeted with a room full of media from around the world, African film makers and actors, and an elegant dinner. American celebrities who came out to support included Oscar winner Lou Gossett and Sheryl Lee Ralph, (Dreamgirls), and American film/TV directors and producers included Film Director Trey Haley co-owner of Tri-Destined Studios (Note to Self, The Man in 3B) and Television Director Eric Seaton (Nickelodeon’s “Just Jordan,” “Good Luck Charlie”).
“Our projects come in many ways,” said Trey Haley about films shot in his Los Angeles based film production studio. “We are a full in-house company. Lots of people need a production company to facilitate it (their projects) that has a director. We created a company where people can bring to life their vision.”
The Africa Movie Academy Awards’ theme this year is “the stories never end.” You can see the full list of nominations on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/africamovieacademyawards/posts/10153378176548468 and learn more about the African awards by logging onto www.AMA-Awards.com.
Aziza Miller, Crystal Aikin, and Frank McComb are a three-some July 19, 2015 at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland
*“Sherry Thompson put that together. It’s her vision. I believe in her idea working as a trio,” said Jazz pianist/singer Aziza Miller about her performance July 19, 2015 at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland with Gospel vocalist Crystal Aikin and keyboardist/singer Frank McComb. “I always support independent artists. There are so many of us out there struggling, why not? There is strength in numbers and you get to know other people.”
A New York native Aziza started out as music director on Rain Pryor’s tour. In 1975 she signed on to be music director and pianist in Natalie Cole’s band, and in 1979 she debuted a solo album “City Living” (Arista Records). In 2014 Aziza released her fourth album “What’s On Your Mind?” On July 26th she will be performing at Blues Alley in Washington, DC.
“Expect me to do two singles from my current CD and a medley I put together of Stevie Wonder, ‘Knock’s Me Off My Feet’,” Miller added.
“I’m a registered nurse by trade,” said vocalist Crystal Aikin, who will be one of the three-some on July 19th at Rams Head. Crystal is also performing with Frank McComb at Howard Theater July 21st in a concert to benefit The Cancer Research Institute. “My parents raised me to go the traditional journey. As a Gospel artist, that’s something you can’t plan God gives you or ordains you for it. I do believe I have a calling to spread the word of God. Singing is a great tool.”
Aikin was the first winner of the “Sunday Best” nationally televised competition which premieres July 19th on BET. Since then she has won a Stellar Award for Best New Artist. She recently released an album titled “All I Need” (RCA Records) and its single is currently at radio titled “So Amazing.” Crystal also has a GMA Dove Award nomination for Best New Artist.
“I…still get opportunities (because of the ‘Sunday Best’ win). I still get to perform on the showcase (‘Sunday Best’),” the Tacoma Washington native said about her big televised talent competition win. “At some degree I am satisfied, but I long to do better.”
Learn more about the July 19th performance by Aziza Miller, Crystal Aikin and Frank McComb at Rams Head On Stage by logging onto www.RamsHeadOnStage.com.
(Syndicated Columnist: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 24, 2015 the “Uplifting Minds II” Free Entertainment Conference at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. Sat April 16, 2016 the “Uplifting Minds II” Free Entertainment Conference at Security Square Mall. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)
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