Cameroon’s film industry has achieved a historic milestone as Kang Quintus’ movie Mabanda won the Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa) award at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
The victory marks the first time a fully Cameroonian production – shot on Cameroonian soil with an entirely Cameroonian cast and crew – has clinched an AMVCA. Mabanda competed against Safou: A Gift From Nature and Golden Spoon.
This year’s edition introduced new regional indigenous language categories for North and Central Africa. Mabanda’s win specifically represents Cameroon’s English‑speaking region.
Cameroonian actress Nchini Sylvia‑bright Bi, who was part of the team that received the award in Lagos, shared her emotional reaction:
“My heart is full. I cannot begin to describe how happy I am to have lived this amazing moment, to have represented a film that has my whole heart and to have raised the Cameroonian flag so high. On behalf of the entire cast and crew of MABANDA, we want to thank each one of you for taking this so personally.”
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Kang Quintus, the film’s producer and director, dedicated the award to every Cameroonian filmmaker who refused to give up. The win opens doors for Central African cinema on a continental stage.
