Lagos — As the 2010 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards draws near, the organisers have released the guidelines for submission of entries by African filmmakers. The Africa Film Academy has called for entries by filmmakers to submit their feature films, short and documentaries for consideration in the 6th AMAA, the premier Africa film awards.

Each completed entry form for all the award categories must be accompanied by all the supporting materials listed on the submission forms, including the synopsis of the film, the list of credits and marketing skills of the film, filmgraphy of the main crew of the film directors and producers to be precise. Ten (10) DVD copies of the film must be provided and proof of right to submit.

Only films and documentaries produced and released between December 2008 and December 2009 would be entered for the 2009 celebration of African Cinema to be held in 2010.

According to the organisers, all films must indicate year of copyright. The Africa Film Academy will not accept any film that exceeds the 120 minutes run as a feature, or a short film is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of not more than 50 minutes, including all credits for the shorts.

The Africa Film Academy awards two major categories of short films animation and normal short films. This year the academy announces a category for best Africa film in the Diaspora and best Diaspora short film awards.

In a bid to avoid any litigation arising from copyright issues and other creative infringements, filmmakers submitting their works for entries will sign an indemnity form to protect AMAA organisers from any law suit.

AMAA Chief Executive, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe said film makers across the continent can visit the organisation's website or contact regional coordinators for the guidelines.

"I encourage our filmmakers to submit their work early enough and avoid last minute rush which usually puts undue pressure on the screeners. I look forward to welcome Africa filmmakers to Nigeria next year when our country will be celebrating its 50th anniversary," she said.

The deadline for all submissions is December 30, while late entry deadline will be considered till January 7th, 2010 after which entry will be finally closed. The organisers of the awards said nominations would be announced in Ghana in February 2010.

AMAA will hold on April 10, 2010 and will be televised across the world. Submission of forms is on AMA-awards website.