The Special Movie Awards (SMA) represents a prestigious occasion dedicated to honoring filmmakers both within and outside the African continent. This notable event aims to celebrate excellence in filmmaking by recognizing exceptional films, cast members, and crew.

The fourth edition of the Special Movie Awards (SMA 4.0) held virtually on December 30, 2021, from Freetown, Sierra Leone. The SMA initiative serves the greater good of the filmmaking community in the Anglophone West African region.

The inaugural, second, and third editions of the Special Movie Awards achieved significant success in The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast of Africa. These events were attended by government ministers, heads of institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, filmmakers, actors, actresses, traditional leaders, and religious authorities. The second edition of SMA provided remarkable visibility for filmmakers in The Gambia and beyond. Among 48 nominees, 16 distinguished winners received SMA awards across 16 distinct categories. His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, was honored with the title “Pillar of SMA 2017,” while Desmond B. Finney, a veteran actor from Sierra Leone, received a lifetime achievement award. Additionally, 6 awards were claimed in the international category out of 18 nominees from Sierra Leone.

The third edition of the Special Movie Awards took place with great success on December 1, 2018, at the Djembe Hotel in Senegambia. The event was graced by a distinguished guest, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who was adequately represented by the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to The Gambia. The occasion attracted officials from the Gambian government, the Nigerian High Commissioner, the Oba of the Yoruba community in The Gambia, filmmakers, actors, actresses, heads of institutions, corporate representatives, and other esteemed guests. This memorable night was characterized by glamour and excitement, providing excellent exposure for filmmakers in The Gambia and beyond.

Out of 45 nominees, 16 fortunate winners received SMA 2018 awards across 16 categories. Furthermore, 9 SMA honorary awards and certificates of appreciation were presented during the ceremony.

We express our sincere gratitude for your support in previous editions. In light of the global pandemic, the management of SMA has made the decision to extend participation to Anglophone West African countries and to organize a virtual edition live from Freetown.

Any movie maker, registered and resident in Africa and beyond.
What is the submission process? Your submission should include the following:

When are submissions due?

Submission period starts on Monday, April 14, 2025, and ends on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Who decides which movie will be nominated?

A team of international and experienced local movie jurors will screen all submitted films, and categories for nomination will be selected for the SMA Award.

What types of movies are we interested in?

We are seeking movies of all genres and styles made in Africa and beyond.

What’s in it for me?

You will have the opportunity for media publicity and networking with other filmmakers from the subregion and beyond. You may be nominated in various categories and have the chance to win an SMA Award, along with other exciting prizes. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with international filmmakers and gain access to the SMA market, as well as participate in film workshops and panel discussions featuring industry stakeholders.

What is the date of the SMA 5.0 Award?

The movie award is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, live from Banjul, The Gambia, and our social media platforms.