International Haitian actor and host of the 2012 African Movie Academy Awards, Jimmy Jean-Louis has responded to criticisms in some sections of the media suggesting that he wasn’t a great host for the award ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria due to his nationality and somewhat French intonations.

He described hosting the ceremony as an honour and added that he leaves it to the audience to rate his performance as a host. He said, “I’m Haitian and Haiti is the only country outside of the African continent that is part of the African Union. My only connection with France during the AMAA was my Jean-Paul Gaultier suit. Speaking French doesn’t make me French; speaking Spanish doesn’t make me Spanish”

Jimmy, who has been involved with many African based productions in the past few years, including Relentless, Sinking Sands, Phat Girlz, and I Sing of a Well, says that he will continue to collaborate with African cinema because he understands the potentials of the industry, adding that the future is in our hands. “Africa is truly rising and I will continue to be part of the rise. My next project is called ‘Doctor Bello’ with Isaiah Washington, Genevieve Nnaji, Vivica Fox, and Stephanie Okereke, and directed by Tony Abulu. I will play the title character, Doctor Bello”.

The epic, ‘Toussaint Louverture’ which sees Jimmy Jean-Louis playing the iconic role of the man responsible for gaining Haiti her Independence, won the AMAA 2012 Best Diaspora Feature prize. The Award was received by Jimmy on behalf of the producers and he comments:

“It means the world to me and my producers to win the most competitive award at this year’s AMAA because that particular award included movies from African all over the world. In addition to the best movie at the Pan African Film Festival that we received earlier this year, we have also been nominated for best film at the Monte Carlo Festival in June so the producers France Zobda and Jean-Lou Monthieu are thrilled with the reception of Toussaint Louverture across the world.”