Lagos (Nigeria) — DR Congo’s Viva Riva was voted the best film in Africa at the African Movie Academy Awards which took place in at the Gloryland Centre, Yenogoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

The film won six out of the seven categories in which it was nominated, namely: best production design, best cinematography, best actor in supporting role, best actress in supporting role, best director and best film.

Viva Riva is the first film made in Congo’s native Ngala Language in 20 years and it took the crew five years to complete.

Another film from Congo, After the Mine, also won the best short documentary, making it seven awards in all for the country.

In addition, South Africa won in six categories. The South African film, Shirley Adams won the highly coveted Special Jury Awards.

Other films from South Africa which won in different categories were: A Small Town Called Descent, best visual effects, Shirley Adams, AMAA Achievement in Sound, Izulu Lami, Best Film in African Language and Best Child Actor, Hopeville, Best Actor in Leading Role.

The film Sinking Sand, which starred the Haitian born Hollywood actor, Jimmy Jean Louis from Ghana, also won many awards such as: Best Make up, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress in Leading Role.

Kenya only won in one category Best Editing with the film Soul Boy by Ng’ethe Gitungo.

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