Joyah not disappointed with AMAA outcome
Freshly back from the African Movie Academy Awards (Amaa), film maker Shemu Joyah has said he is happy his recent film, The Last Fishing Boat, won one award out of five nominations.
Joyah was accompanied to the awards in Nigeria by actress Flora Suya and afro musician Lloyd Phaundi (Agorosso), who came back with the award for Best Achievement in Soundtrack.
He said he was happy that Malawi has something to smile about while other nominees left the ceremony without anything.
“I was not sure that we would win all five nominations because the competition was very stiff. In fact, the one category which I thought we stood a better chance was the soundtrack, which we won.
“I said several times that over 600 films were submitted and to find our film being shortlisted as the best in five categories was already a triumph on its own,” said Joyah.
He said The Last Fishing Boat is the country’s second film to enter the Amaa awards.
“Others did not even get a nomination, let alone a win. So, I am very encouraged that we are on the right path. Instead of brooding and crying over the awards we did not win and risking a cardiac arrest, I would prefer we celebrate the one award that we won. I always choose a positive perspective of life,” said Joyah.
Agorosso was also ecstatic.
“The most important thing is that all those who have watched the film or will take the time to, will appreciate my talent. So, for me and the whole crew behind the movie it is the exposure that matters,” he said.
Suya was unfazed by the stellar names she was battling it out with.
“I am not discouraged by anything. I am encouraged to work harder. Being nominated alone is an achievement. There were over 600 actresses and to be among the best six in Africa is a quite an achievement and it means I am one hell of an actress and I am happy with that,” she said.
The Last Fishing Boat, released in December 2012, is a story of love across race and country.
