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FAQs: AMVCA 12th edition

News10 January 2026
Find answers to your AMVCA 12 questions here.
FAQs: AMVCA 12th edition

Core Messages

  • The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is MultiChoice’s initiative to celebrate and appreciate African talent by recognising and rewarding exceptional achievements in the film and television industry across the African continent.
  • This year’s AMVCAs will be a showcase of the growth and potential of the African film and television industry, with a focus on celebrating and promoting African stories and talent on a global stage.
  • The AMVCAs is known for its red-carpet moments, and the 12th edition promises to be no different. From the stylish outfits to the stunning hairstyles, the event is set to showcase the very best in African fashion and beauty.
  • The call for entries for the AMVCAs 12th edition is open from Sunday, 11th January to Sunday, 15th February 2026, providing an exciting opportunity for African filmmakers to submit their work for consideration.
  • The AMVCAs is not just about celebrating established talent, but also about recognising emerging talent. The awards provide a platform for up-and-coming talent to showcase their work and gain recognition for their contribution to the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many categories are there for the 12th AMVCAs?
There is a total of 29 categories, with 11 categories open to public voting and 18 categories decided by the AMVCA panel of judges, which includes the 3 recognition awards for Lifetime Achievement and a Trailblazer award.

2. What new elements can the audience expect from the 12th edition of the AMVCAs?
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards marks an important evolution in our mission to celebrate the breadth, depth, and diversity of African storytelling. As Africa’s film and television landscape continues to expand, so does the AMVCA’s responsibility to honour excellence in a more inclusive and representative way. This year’s edition introduces thoughtfully designed enhancements that amplify regional voices, deepen cultural celebration, and recognise emerging creative territories.

Among the most significant new elements are the introduction of two new award categories:

• Best Indigenous Language – North Africa
• Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa

These new categories are informed by our ongoing commitment to ensure that every storyteller, regardless of geography or language, sees themselves reflected in the continent’s premier awards platform.

Rationale for the Two New Categories

  1. Deepening Continental Representation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Africa’s creative ecosystem is rich and multilingual, yet many regions—particularly North and Central Africa—have historically been underrepresented in continental award circuits. By expanding the Indigenous Language categories, the AMVCAs embrace a more equitable and regionally balanced framework that gives visibility to the full continent.
  2. Preserving and Elevating Local Languages                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Films and series produced in languages such as Arabic dialects, Berber, Chadian Arabic, Lingala, Sango, and others play a vital role in preserving cultural identity. These categories recognise filmmakers who commit to telling authentic stories in their native languages, reinforcing the AMVCA’s mandate to protect Africa’s linguistic heritage.
  3.  Encouraging Cross-Regional Collaboration                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By opening the door for content creators from North and Central Africa, the AMVCAs promote cross-cultural exchange, co-productions, and creative partnerships – with the long-term goal of strengthening Africa’s position in the global entertainment industry.
  4. Supporting the Growth of Emerging Creative Markets                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Creative industries in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Congo are experiencing rapid growth. These categories provide a platform to spotlight their talent, accelerate industry development, and drive visibility for new voices and perspectives.
  5. Reinforcing the AMVCA as a Truly Pan-African Awards Platform                                                                                                                                                                                                                The AMVCAs remain committed to celebrating all Africans, without borders. By expanding our Indigenous Language categories to include more regions, we reaffirm the awards as a continental benchmark for excellence – one that honours Africa’s shared history while embracing its distinct cultural expressions.

3. What is the eligibility period for entry to the 12th AMVCA?
The eligibility period for entry to the 12th AMVCA is for content that were broadcast or publicly screened from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.

4. What is the eligibility requirement for feature-length movies, particularly in terms of where they must have been screened to qualify for entry?
All feature length Movies must have been screened specifically in the cinemas, on linear television and or streaming platforms to be eligible for entry in the period under consideration.

5. How can participants enter the AMVCAs?
• Only fully executed online submissions with a full preview copy uploaded will be accepted.
• Unique reference numbers will be allocated to each completed online submission. All further correspondence will require the corresponding reference number to be inserted.
• For submission requirements, digital file delivery process and details, please log onto www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA

• All made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they had been produced and broadcast or publicly exhibited during the period 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.
• All entries must be submitted for judging exactly as presented during public exhibition or broadcast. No modifications may be made for purposes of the awards.
• For online submission support, please consult the website: www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA

6. Will my old unique reference number work?
No. If you submitted your work at www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA last year, you will be required to start the process again and be provided a fresh, unique reference number.

7. Can an entry be disqualified?
Yes, an entry can be disqualified if it does not follow the stated guidelines.

8. Can a participant send in multiple entries?
Yes, a participant can send in as many entries as possible so long as it falls under the stipulated timeframe.

9. Can participants enter with a hard drive?
All submissions shall be through the AMVCA portal at www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA. Each confirmed online entry with an allocated unique reference number must submit a digital file (as per the delivery specifications provided on the website), made-for-television movie or television series (exactly as was screened or broadcast). Please note that digital delivery submission will require strong Internet connectivity, and data use/availability is at the entrant’s cost.

If you experience any difficulty, please contact:
• Attention: AMVCA@ng.multichoice.com
• Ref #: (Please quote your unique reference number)

10. How do I register and vote on the 12th edition of the AMVCAs?
You can vote for your favourite nominee on Mobile and Web only. AMVCA voting goes LIVE immediately after the nominee announcement that airs LIVE on all Africa Magic channels. Voting will be open to registered voters only. Voters must have completed their registration to be eligible to vote for their favourite nominee(s) in the various categories.

Registering on the AMVCA website:
You can register to vote on the Africa Magic website – africamagic.tv/amvca
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +27731234567, email address, select your location, enter your year of birth, gender and your preferred password, and select the checkbox to accept the Multichoice terms and conditions, then click “continue”.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote after the nomination show.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Voting on the AMVCA website if you’re a registered voter:
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Sign in and enter your cell phone number in the international format, e.g. +27731234567.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite nominee(s) in the various categories.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the website are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Registering on the AMVCA mobile site:
You can register to vote on the Africa Magic website – africamagic.tv/amvca
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +27731234567, email address, select your location, enter your year of birth, gender and your preferred password, and select the checkbox to accept the Multichoice terms and conditions, then click “continue”.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote after the nomination show.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Voting on the AMVCA mobisite if you’re a registered voter:
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Sign in and enter your cell phone number in the international format, e.g. +27731234567.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite nominee(s) in the various categories.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the mobisite are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

11. How will winners be determined in categories that are not up for public voting, e.g. Best Overall Movie (Africa)?
They will be determined by the AMVCA panel of judges, with the judging process monitored and verified by an independent auditor.

12. Where and when will the 12th AMVCAs be held?
The 12th AMVCAs will be held in Lagos, Nigeria in May 2025. More information will be shared in due course.

13. Who will be the presenters for the 12th edition of the AMVCAs?
Presenters for the 12th AMVCAs are yet to be announced. Please follow all Africa Magic social media handles to find out who will be this edition’s presenters.

14. Where can we find out more information about the AMVCAs, including the guidelines?
You can find out more about the AMVCAs by visiting www.africamagic.tv/amvca and following Africa Magic on Facebook and Instagram.