AFDA is proud to announce that 5 feature films, that have AFDA alumni in key roles, have received 22 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2025.
Leading the pack is the 2025 South African Oscar candidate film The Heart is a Muscle, produced by AFDA alumni Brett Michael Innes and Adam Thal and starring alumni Keenan Arrison with 9 nominations.
The 2024 South African Oscar candidate film Old Righteous Blues, directed by alumni Muneera Sallies, received 5 nominations.
The Sci-Fi film, Spelonk, directed by alumni Desmond Denton picked up 4 nominations while Hunting Jessica Brok, directed by alumni Alastair Orr claims 3 nominations followed by Lobola Man, co-produced by alumni Rethabile Ramaphakela which received one.
Full List of 2025 AMAA AFDA Alumni Film Nominations:
Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language
• Lobola Man – South Africa
• The Heart is a Muscle – South Africa
Achievement in Production Design
• The Heart is a Muscle
Achievement in Costume Design
• Hunting Jessica Brok
Achievement in Makeup
• Spelonk
• The Heart is a Muscle
Achievement in Soundtrack
• Old Righteous Blues
Achievement in Visual Effects
• Spelonk
• Hunting Jessica Brok
Achievement in Sound
• Old Righteous Blues
• Hunting Jessica Brok
Achievement in Cinematography
• Old Righteous Blues
• Spelonk
• The Heart is a Muscle
Achievement in Editing
• Spelonk
• The Heart is a Muscle
Achievement in Screenplay
• Old Righteous Blues
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
• Fadela Brown – Old Righteous Blues
• Best Actor in a Leading Role
• Keenan Arrison – The Heart is a Muscle
• Ayden Croy – Old Righteous Blues
Best Actress in a Leading Role
• Danica De La Ray Jones – Hunting Jessica Brok
Best Debut Feature Film by a Director
• The Heart is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay
Best Director
• Imran Hamdulay – The Heart is a Muscle (South Africa)
Best Film
• *The Heart is a Muscle – South Africa
The Africa Movie Academy Awards is an annual entertainment award ceremony, presented to recognize excellence among African and non-African professionals, who have contributed to the African film industry. The award was founded by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe currently run by the Africa Film Academy.