Meanwhile, on the readiness of the state to host the guests coming from over 40 countries within and outside the shores of Africa, Mr. Anih said, Governor Wike and his government have made adequate arrangement to ensure that visitors and residents in the state live in peace and harmony.

“Rivers State is a very secured State. Port Harcourt is not just called the Garden City for nothing. It is a city bustling with energy and creativity. Visitors and our international guests will have a good and exciting experience.”

The nominees in the 28 categories of the awards were announced at an exclusive media event on Sunday, May 15, in Lagos with films from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Burkina Faso in hot chase for the AMAA glory in the acting departments.

In the Best Director’s Category are such films as Fifty, Dry, The Cursed One, Eye of the Storm, Ayanda, La Pagne, Tell me Sweet Something and Behind Closed Doors. The Board of Jurors of AMAA which has members which include academics, film makers, critics and Film Festival curators from Nigeria, Germany, United States, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Burkina Faso will decide on which film and individual talents that will emerge eventual winners at a glamorous Awards Night.