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Gambia to Host First Movie Awards
In a bid to recognise and award outstanding personalities in the movie industry, the first-ever movie award to take place in the Smiling Coast of West Africa, dubbed Special Movie Awards (SMA), is scheduled to take place on 30th September, 2016.
This was disclosed recently during a press conference held at the Joint Officers Mess, in Kotu. Sheikh Tijan Sonko, Producer of the SMA, revealed that his association is a platform to recognise vibrant talents in the film industry, especially those who are doing their very best to take the nation’s entertainment industry to standard.
He added: “It starts with appreciating the quality work the film makers are doing in diverse areas.” Amadou Sillah, Advisor of SMA Committee, emphasised that SMA is building a structure that will continue to recognise committed and hardworking people involved in the film and movie industry.
To have a working movie industry, he opined, involves movie awards, TV channels, magazines, but that it comes down to sustainability, which he believes, with their dedicated team and the support of the people they will get there.
Frankline Adim, Programe/Award Coordinator remarked that the SMA 2016 awards will be a night of glitz and glamour to celebrate movie makers in The Gambia.
According to him, SMA 2016 will be giving fifteen awards, forty-five nominations and ten honorary awards that will be screened by both national and international judges.
According to SMA members apart from the trophy, awardees will have certificates and prizes will also be given to winners.
The event will be a bi-annual event in the country, and they are open to sponsorship and partnership.
By Alpha M Kamara Source: The Daily Observer Newspaper The Gambia.
Nollywood Director Collins Pearce to Grace SMA2016 as Main Anchor
Following the rise in the country’s industry, and thirst for taking the movie sector to the international stage, the Special Movie Awards (SMA) slated for 30th September, this year will mark a birth in the nation’s cinematography, as a result of choosing one of Nollywoods most renowned producer/director to be one of the main anchors for the event.
Popularly known as Director Collins Ajuma, a Sierra Leonean by birth, and a product of the Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone, he has worked with most of the big names in Nollywood and outside, contributing to the very inner core of the industry at both national and international level.
Collins who has received numerous awards in the movie industry like, Best Film Producer (UK) 2015 by Malisha Da Queen Foundation; Best Supporting Actor 2014 AWOL; Best Sierra Leone Film Producer 2014 by Universal Achievements Awards and many more has managed the careers of prominent celebrities in Nollywood and Ghallywood. They include celebrities in the likes of Desmond Elliot,
Patience Ozoekwo, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Ghana’s most prolific actor Van Vicker, and Charles Owurum. He has also taken the careers of some Sierra Leoneans to the international stage in the music industry like Kao Denero.
SMA 2016 awards will be a time to celebrate the excellence in the Gambia’s movie industry, having the personality in the likes of Collins Ajuma Archie Pearce gracing our maiden awards means we are on the right direction.
By Alpha M Kamara Source: The OBSERVER LIGHT
Gambia Film Industry Sparkling as Gods Will Premieres on Valentines Day
On a rapid drive to boost the nations film industry to produce standard films that will have universal audience and viewership, The Gambias film industry is sparkling as the movie Gods Will premieres on Valentines Day. The movie is produced by Wilfred Adams of Afrinity Productions.
In an interview with Observer Light, Adams said the principal idea behind the movie is one that discourage divorce, faith in God, and promote spouses to remain in long standing marriages by enduring patiently despite challenges that comes with marital life.
In describing her role in the movie, the lead role Fanta played by Isatu M Bokum, said as a strong young lady, she got married at an early age after courtship for about ten years and married for five years. The problem started when she could not bear a child for her husband Omar, played by Daniel Okorie, as he is desperate to have a child.
The movie takes a gloomy turn for Fanta as her best friend Isha played by Binta Janneh, whose husband is rich and provide all her needs, began to manipulate her to go into extra marital affairs because of the way Omar is treating her. With Fantas strong perseverance, she remains faithful to her husband, even after she was driven away from her matrimonial home for not bearing a child.
Source: Daily Observer
Special Movie Awards 2016 Press Conference
On Wednesday 20th July 2016, a press conference was held at the Joint Officers Mess for the Special Movie Awards (SMA) 2016.
The purpose was to sensitize the general public about this brilliant initiative, solicit for partnership and to let Film Makers know the closing date for the submission of application forms. The Conference was attended by the Committee Members of SMA and of about nine (9) Press Houses both Print and Electronic Media such as Standard Newspaper, Observer, The point, West coast Radio, Hot Fm and more.
Various questions with regards to the awards was asked in other to clear the air for the public and avoid skeptics. Some of the questions include:
• Where and when can one vote?
• When are submissions due?
• What is the submission process?
The press was more particular about the processes involved to be part of the Special Movie Awards Maiden Edition 2016. The Special Movie Awards Calendar has already been drafted below:
|
SPECIAL MOVIE AWARDS (SMA) 2016 |
|
| ACTIVITIES | DATE |
| Movie Submissions Opens | 1st July (9am-4pm)(Mon to Fri) |
| Movie Submissions Closes | 30th July, Saturday |
| Jury Retreat for Movie Screening | 1st August – 7th August |
| Launching of SMA (Press Conference) | 8th August, Monday |
| Public Voting Opens | 10th August, Wednesday |
| Public Voting Closes | 10th September, Saturday |
| Collation of Nomination Results | 29th September, Thursday |
| Special Movie Awards Night |
30th September, Friday |
Aside the Special Movie Awards Calendar, some of the things discussed involved the submission requirements which involves A copy of the Film Makers movie to be submitted, A trailer and Production Logo in a flash drive to be submitted at:
Afrinity Productions
Office Address:
10 East Street,
Fajara F Section,
P.O. Box 3069 S/K,
The Gambia .
After all the matters and questions from the press was digressed by the committee members which included The Producer Sheikh Tijan Sonko, Program Coordinator Franklin Adim, Admin Secretary Isatu M. Bokum, Assistant Admin Secretary Binta Janneh , Financial Secretary Bankole Browne, and The Committee Adviser Amadou Sillah, the next press conference to be held on the 8th of August was disclosed. All the press Members are urged to join as that’s when most Concealed matters regarding the awards will be revealed. A special thanks goes the Executive Producer of SMA and CEO of Afrinity Productions, Mr. Wilfred Adams for powering the Maiden Edition of Special Movie Awards 2016, Afrinity Productions Technical Crew Adams Orukpe and Ayisatu Aiyegbo for covering the event, The Press members and Special Movie Awards Committee and everyone that was present at the conference.
Best Hair/Make-up Artist 2016
Nominees
Voting officially opens on the 10th of August and closes 10th of September
Before voting please take a minute to watch your candidate’s short clip videos below,
Special Movie Awards (SMA)
What is the SMA?
Special Movie Awards (SMA) is a Night of Glitz, Glamour, Paparazzi to celebrate Movie Makers in The Gambia.
Who Can Submit a Movie?
Any Movie Maker registered and resident in The Gambia can submit a Movie.
What’s the Submission Process?
Your submission should include the following:
1.A completed application form (below)
2. Three DVD copies of your Movie
3. A trailer of your Movie. (Soft Copy in USB Flash)
Submit the above materials to
Afrinity Productions
Office Address:
10 East Street,
Fajara F Section,
P.O. Box 3069 S/K,
The Gambia .
Admin Secretary. +220-7541114,
Program Coordinator. +220-7593462
Producer +220-7294702
Executive Producer +220-7007210
When Are Submissions Due?
Submissions period is from July 1st – 30th 2016
Who Decides Which Movies Will Be Screened?
A Team of International and experienced Movie Jury will screen all submitted Movies and categories for nominations will be selected for the awards.
What Kinds of Movie Are You Looking For?
We are looking for any genre and style of Movie made in The Gambia.
What’s In It For Me?
You get to receive Media Publicity
You stand the chance to be nominated in any category
You stand the opportunity to collaborate with international Movie makers.
When is the Movie Award?
The Movie Award is tentatively scheduled for Friday 30th September, 2016
Special Movie Awards 2016
A Night of Glitz, Glamour and Paparazzi
A Night of Movie Stars celebrating creative titles, diverse languages, beautiful colours, melodious sounds, graphical effects, styles and actions
SMA: calling every movie maker in the Gambia to submit all genres and styles of movies made in the Gambia between July 1st and 30th to be screened by a team of international and experienced jury
15 categories
45 nominations
1 night
You won’t miss this! Coming to you live in the Gambia on the 30th September 2016
Stay connected….
For more enquiries please call +220 7007210 7294702 3702422 9218375 7541114
SMA
celebrating excellence in films
Taking The Gambia Films to the next level….
- Best Leading Male Actor
Best Leading Female Actress
Best Supporting Male Actor
Best Supporting Female Actress
Best Hair/Make-up Artist
Best Costumier
Best Sound
Best Visual Effects
Best Editor
Best Picture
Best Documentary Film
Best Indigenous Film
Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Director
Honorary Awards
- SMA Foreign Film 2016
SMA Foreign Director 2016
SMA Foreign Actor 2016
SMA Foreign Actress 2016
SMA Foreign Media 2016
SMA Television Media of the Year 2016
SMA Radio of the Year 2016
SMA individual of the Year 2016
SMA Organization of the yeah 2016
SMA Grand Patron
SMA Radio Media of the Year 2016
GCCI Annual Awards Dinner
It is here again, the 2016 Edition of the GCCI Business Awards Dinner.
Theme: Supporting Sustainable Enterprises, taking place at the
Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort on the 6th of May 2016.
Seven Awards to be won in the following Categories;
Bank of the year,
Young Entrepreneur of the year,
SME of the year,
Leading Business of the year,
Emerging Business of the year,
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award,
Financial Institution Supporting SMEs of the year.
GCCI truly the voice of Business.
Chief Guest of Honor and a Speaker: Mr. Mustapha Njie , CEO\MD of TAF Africa Homes
GCCI Press Briefing On The Border Closure Between Senegal And The Gambia
Afrinity Productions attended a press briefing at the Gambia Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) on Friday 26th of February 2016 at their head office.
The main aim of the press briefing was to clarify the issues of the border closure between The Gambia and Senegal.
The chief executive officer of GCCI Mr Alieu Secka and his members expressed his concern over the situation as GCCI represent the voice of businesses in the Gambia. The closing of the border is affecting business both large and small, including local traders. GCCI contacted the Dakar chamber of commerce, Ziguinchor chamber of commerce and TANGO in the Gambia but still nothing is clearly confirmed.
Mr Alieu Secka and the president Mr. Mohammed Jagana visited the border between the Gambia and Senegal. The Senegalese authorities decided to introduce processing of all the transit documentation in Dakar instead of at the border, which causes long delays at all the border posts.
It can take up to seven days to get the authorization.
Questions raised by different media houses like daily observer, foroyaa newspaper, eye-Africa TV , standard newspaper , point newspaper etc were answered by the Mr Aliu Secka.
GCCI is doing its part to help resolve the situation and joining hands 
with the ministry of trade to come up with a possible solution in the shortest timeframe. Amongst those present were Mrs Beatrice Mboge and Mrs Sarata Conateh
Reported by Binta Janneh, Ayisatu Aiyegbo and filmed/edited by Orukpe Adams
April 23rd 2016 Is Now The New Date Sheduled For The Premiere Of The Most Talked About Wedding Planner Movie In The Gambia
The Movie “The Mysterious Wedding Planner” Directed by Afe Olumowe, written and produced by Ghanaian Based Gambian Actress Princess Shyngle.
Starring herself and Gollywood Actor John Dumelo and Nollywood Actress Ebube Nwagbo shot in the Gambia from the 7thof January2016 is scheduled to be premiered in The Gambia on Saturday 23th of April 2016 at The Prestigious Paradise Suit Hotel, Senegambia.
The movie “The Mysterious Wedding Planner” revolves around two couples Lamin and Haddy who fell head over heels for each other, and planned to get married, their plans were interrupted by Rachael who was interested in Lamin’s money and personality, she plotted a plan together with her sister Ramou and her mother miss marry to kill Haddy in other for her to execute her evil plans.Upon believing Haddy is dead after attempting to murder her, she lied to lamin that she was pregnant for him in other to get him to marry her, Haddy whowas an undercover wedding planner Jojo together with her friend Joanna plan on how to prove Rachael, Ramou and Miss Mary’s mi
schievous plans on the wedding day of lamin and Rachael.Even though the two couples where separated, lamin upon meeting their wedding planner Jojo who he believes is Haddy, he still feels what he feels for her even though believed to be died. See how the story goes on the day of the planned wedding.
Come one, come all to join watch this cinema movie as it is the most talked about and best anticipated African movie in 2016.
God’s Will Movie Premiered On The 14th Of February 2016
The premiere was a success on Sunday; a lot of important personalities were present to grace the occasion.
Different performances were done by a comedian Saidou Plastic and music performances by Daniel Koroma, Brainstorm, Swag Mansakunda and Black Sammy. Red carpet interview was done and the show was anchored by Director Frank Adim and Isatu M. Bokum. Afrinity production was in charge of the coverage of the show together with the media company Eye Africa.
General appreciation
A very big thank you goes to Mr. Wilfred Adams and his Afrinity team, Mr. Tony Ozue and his Love connection team. Not Forgetting Mr. Ndow who single handedly made it possible for the occasion to take place at the venue joint officer’s mess. A special thanks goes to Eye Africa for taking live coverage of the show together with Christopher Orukpe Adams from Afrinity team. An uncountable Appreciation goes to everyone who relentlessly partake in making the show a success.
A hand full of thanks stretches out to Juzty Entertainment who fully entertained the show with beautiful music. Special thanks to Manding Morry Entertainment for their support. It would not be fair enough if we do not thank the entire cast and crew of the movie God’s Will that steers down to Isatu M. Bokum, Binta Janneh, Daniel Okorie, Fatoumata Jarju, Ayisatu Aiyegbo, Daniel Koroma, Christopher Orukpe Adams, Wilfred Adams, Abel Madu, Andrea and every single person that contributed in making the movie a success..
On behalf of the entire Afrinity and Love connection team we say a very big thank you to everyone who made time out of their busy schedule to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with us.
D5 Creation