TIPTOPSTARS

What is CFI

CFI stands for Cameroon Film Industry. It is an adhoc body set up a couple of months ago to set standards for a film industry in Cameroon.

 What prompted the CFI initiative?

There has been huge criticism about film making in Cameroon, coming especially from consumers of our products. We have also noticed that a few things are being done wrongly, giving the impression that Cameroonian movies are worthless. It is in a bid to redress the situation that CFI was born.

 Who is a member of CFI?

All stakeholders in film making are members.

What are the tasks of the CFI?

The CFI is charged with bringing film makers together via workshops where they would share their experiences, discuss their problems and seek lasting solutions. Two meetings have been held already; in Buea and Bamenda. At the third, dubbed “the Yaounde convention” on 16 August 2008, the industry will be branded.

What would it be called?

We already have three proposals; Camwood, Callywood and Collywood. We are expecting more to come in. One of these names would be adopted and that will be the real kick-off of a film industry in Cameroon.

What would be the challenges of the film industry?

The industry will ensure that everything is done professionally. First, guilds will be set up with their various heads forming the executive of the film industry. Secondly, we shall embark on training, with the collaboration of CRTV’s Audio-Visual Training Centre at Ekounou. Thirdly, before films are shot, scripts have to go through a script-censoring board and before they are released, an assessment board. Lastly, actors will henceforth be paid and taken good care of before a project is licensed to take off.

How would the industry survive in such a hostile economic environment?

As soon as we start producing good quality movies, sponsors would get on board. We are however not going to fold our arms. Rather, we would keep knocking at doors to negotiate sponsorship contracts.

How would you manage awards and film festivals?

The industry will have to give its accord, following certain criteria, before awards are organised. Whereas individuals and film houses would be free to recognise and compensate film makers, we shall have a national awards like the AAMA in Nigeria. We shall intensify our representation at international film festivals.

Tell me about the Yaounde convention

The convention will group film makers from Bamenda, Buea, Limbe, Kumba, Kumbo, Douala and Yaounde. It will take place on 16 August 2008 at a venue that will be announced later. Apart from paper presentations, participants will deliberate on issues affecting the industry and seek lasting solutions to their problems. They will also pay tribute to the late Kwasen Gwangwa’a and Victor Pungong, two fallen heroes in film making. The Ministry of Culture will be patronising.

Tell me about your experience as an actor

I started acting as a child but hit the movie road with Victor Pungong’s Trial of Passion, projected on CRTV in 2006. I have also starred in several movies including Asaba Ferdinand’s Mark of the Absolute and Neba Lawrences’ Forsaken Rose. Cameroonians will savour my acting prowess in upcoming movies.