AMVCA Win: Game changer or just another trophy?

So, let’s talk about the AMVCA and whether winning one actually changes a filmmaker’s life in Nollywood. 

Every year, when the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards roll around, it feels like the whole industry holds its breath. 

Filmmakers campaign like politicians, actors rally their fanbases, and when the winners are announced, social media goes into overdrive. 

But after all the glitz, glam, and teary acceptance speeches, does the AMVCA truly push a filmmaker’s career to the next level? Or is it just another feather in their cap?

First off, let’s agree on one thing: the AMVCA is a big deal. It’s arguably Nollywood’s most prestigious award show, recognising the best of the best in filmmaking. 

Winning one isn’t just about the trophy; it comes with prestige, visibility, and bragging rights. But let’s be real: does it translate to bigger budgets, more projects, and international recognition?

Take someone like Kunle Afolayan. The man has been a powerhouse in Nollywood for years, AMVCA or not. 

Yes, he’s bagged multiple awards, and yes, it solidifies his status as one of Nollywood’s top filmmakers, but did winning an AMVCA change his career trajectory? 

Not really; his work speaks for itself. But for a newer filmmaker, say, someone who’s just beginning to make waves, winning that award can be a game-changer. It puts their name in rooms they never imagined.

READ ALSO: How the AMVCA has shaped Nollywood over the years

Let’s look at Jade Osiberu. Isoken won her an AMVCA, and since then, she’s become one of Nollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers. 

But was it the AMVCA that made her? Or was she already on her way up, and the award just confirmed what we all knew?

And then there are cases where winning an AMVCA doesn’t necessarily translate to career longevity. Some past winners have vanished into thin air. 

They had their moment in the spotlight, but without consistency, the award became just another memory. 

Nollywood thrives on “What’s next?” Today’s golden filmmaker can easily be tomorrow’s forgotten talent if they don’t keep up.

So, does winning an AMVCA actually boost a Nollywood filmmaker’s career? The answer is: it depends. 

It opens doors, sure. It makes people pay attention, definitely. But at the end of the day, it’s what the filmmaker does with that recognition that truly matters. Some use it as a launchpad to even bigger projects, while others just let it be a one-time moment of glory.

Moral of the story? The AMVCA can be a game-changer, but it’s not a magic wand. It’s what you do after the win that really counts. So, if you ever find yourself holding that golden trophy, just know; the work is only beginning.