AMVCA Broadens Indigenous Language Recognition with New Regional Categories
The prestigious Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) has announced a significant expansion of its indigenous language categories for the upcoming 12th edition. Organizers have introduced two new awards: Best Indigenous Language North Africa and Best Indigenous Language Central Africa. This strategic move underscores the awards' deepening commitment to Pan-Africanism, cultural preservation, and equitable representation across the continent.
Strengthening Continental Representation and Cultural Heritage
By incorporating these additional categories, the AMVCA aims to ensure that Africa's rich linguistic diversity and regional creative voices receive more comprehensive celebration on a continental platform. The expansion reflects a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional focus areas and embrace the full spectrum of African storytelling. This initiative is designed to foster greater inclusivity and highlight the unique narratives emerging from North and Central Africa, regions that have historically been underrepresented in such awards.
Details of the 12th AMVCA Edition and Entry Requirements
The 12th edition of the AMVCA will feature a total of 32 award categories, comprising:
- 18 categories decided by a professional jury
- 11 categories determined by audience votes
- 2 special recognition awards for Lifetime Achievement and one Trailblazer award
Eligibility for submission requires that entries were broadcast or publicly screened between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Specifically, feature-length films must have been exhibited in cinemas, on linear television, and/or on streaming platforms to qualify for consideration.
Call for Entries and Submission Timeline
The official call for entries for the 12th AMVCA has been launched, inviting filmmakers and content creators from across Africa to submit their work. The submission window opened on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and will conclude on February 15, 2026. This period provides creators with ample opportunity to prepare and submit their best productions for evaluation.
AMVCA's Role as a Premier Platform for African Storytelling
As MultiChoice's flagship initiative, the AMVCA remains dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and rewarding exceptional African storytelling in film and television. The 12th edition is poised to spotlight the continued growth, creativity, and global potential of Africa's entertainment industry. By expanding its indigenous language categories, the awards reinforce their position as the continent's most prestigious platform, championing cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
This expansion not only enhances the awards' relevance but also aligns with broader movements toward cultural authenticity and regional representation in global entertainment. The AMVCA continues to set benchmarks for how awards ceremonies can effectively promote and preserve Africa's multifaceted cultural heritage.
