Sierra Leonean Movie Star Wins Black Continental Independent Movie Awards
By Stephen V. Lansana
A revered Sierra Leonean actor, Mr Desmond Finney has been crowned Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Black Continental Independent Movie Awards (BCIMA) AKA Black Cinema Awards which was held at Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place Silver Spring, MD 20910, Maryland in USA.
The maiden award ceremony is a red carpet, stylish and energetic event which honors Black Independent Filmmakers and Black films was organized by BCIMA on Saturday June 15, 2019. Celebrated filmmakers across the continent were in attendance.
Finney, who has appeared in over 40 African movies, was featured in the 89 minutes Sierra Leone action thriller movie titled: Botie Movie. It was acted in USA and Sierra Leone in 2018. His performance in the Botie Movie led to his BCIMA recognition as the Best Supporting Actor 2019.
Mr Finney told Premier News that actors in the Botie movie were nominated for six different categories. “In fact, I was very glad to have been nominated in a global award,” he said. “I was surprised to have won this award because I was nominated alongside with other actors across the continent.”
He disclosed that this is an indication that the entertainment industry in the country is growing rapidly.
Mr Finney has received many global awards.
The BCIMA is an event that celebrates and recognizes excellence in film by persons of African descent or films about the global Black experience. It mission is to promotes Black Independent Filmmakers and support Black films in the entertainment industry. Its vision is to increase marketing and distribution opportunities for Black Independent Filmmakers or films related to Black issues.
All BCIMA winners received a Black Continental Independent Movie Awards trophy, and in the event of multiple winners (such as writers or producers), BCIMA will provide a maximum of two (2) trophies; additional trophies may be purchased.
According to BCIMA, the selection process is conducted by a panel of film enthusiasts and movie fans. The selection criteria include: Films that promote Black Culture or addresses Black Issues; and Films made by Black Independent Filmmakers.
Films Submission: the submission process was opened on October 1, 2018 and closed March 31, 2019. Films completed two (2) years before submission starts date are eligible for consideration in our selection. Non-English submissions must be available in their original language with English subtitles. Film Categories: Feature (over 40 minutes), Short (40 minutes or less), and Documentary.
Nomination list (best film, best director, best screenplay etc.) will be published no more than a week after the judging process. The nomination was announced on May 1, 2019, whilst the Award ceremony was June 15, 2019.