TIPTOPSTARS

Shot and produced in 2012, Votary, the much-talked about Cameroonian movie is set to meet its audience. The premiere for the movie is slated for March 2, 2013 at Eta Palace Hotel, Buea, South West region of Cameroon. According to producers of the movie, its premiere will be a first-of-its kind event. The reason is simple – it has been subcontracted to a professional event management outfit. Ahead of the March 2 event, we got in touch with producer Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo. On the line to Yaounde, Billy explained how he and his team were preparing for the event. He spoke with editor Ernest Kanjo. Excerpts!

Ernest Kanjo (EK): How would you assess the level of preparedness for the premiere of Votary?
Billy Bob (BB): Everything is moving on as planned, not without hitches though. Over seventy percent of what is anticipated for the premiere has been realized. We intend to give the Votary premiere a different touch entirely. The obvious as far as red carpet events are concerned shall not be seen. We are innovating and making history with the Votary Premiere. We hope to make Cameroon proud.

EK: Who is organizing the premiere?
BB: One of the innovations we are bringing is the fact that the contract to premiere has been given to an events management outlet, known as Hom Breeze Management. This is something new in Cameroon and a new lesson for the film industry. The film is produced by BILIF Entertainment Pictures and Magic Touch Videos in association with ASDECA.
EK: Is it going to be a DVD-centered premiere?
BB: DVDs will be available at the premiere on sale.
EK: How would the programme of the day look like?
BB: Phase one will look like this – our cast and crew will arrive at 5pm and will be welcome by red carpet interviews. Our guest of honour arrives at and the projection of the movie will begin fifteen minutes later. There will be a musical interlude ad comedy break. The launch proper begins at 7pm and an hour later, the organizers and producers will have a word for the audience. The event rounds off at 8.30pm with red carpet interviews. Our after-party will constitute phase two and this will take place at the Spyce Night Club.
EK: Who are the artists expected to perform?
BB: Tata Kingue, Hannah Ewune, Dr. Sley and Marpe.

EK: Who are the personalities expected to be at the premier?
BB: The Governor of the South West Region, the Mayor of the Buea Rural Council, Delegate of Chamber of Commerce, ASDECA, Chiefs and other dignitaries.
EK: Where else will the movie be premiered?
BB: Yaounde and Kumba.
EK: Remind our readers of the cast and crew of the movie
BB: The cast comprise of Jeffery Epule, Eyong Terrence, Solange Yijika, Nche Francis, Adel Dikana, Nganje Matt, Nchifor Valery, Chief Mokosa, Lynno Lovert, Von Yen Bi and others. The crew is made up of Achale Constance Ndive Lifongo as story writer, Elvis Smart as continuity artist, Kingsley Fisher as make-up artist and Tanko Francois as D.O.P. Tabi Zama edited the movie and we had Mbeh Lawrence as production manager. Nche Francis is the executive producer while Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo is the producer and director.
EK: Any last word?
BB: We are looking forward to a revolutionalizing the Cameroonian film industry. Just to let you know that next in line for the team is a movie entitled The Briefcase to be shot in June 2013. But for now let’s savour Votary, the spirit of the dead. Tickets for the event will be sold as such – 5000frs for VIP, 8000frs for couples and 50,000frs for VIP table for four persons. For more information, contact us via 74 62 71 48 or 75 60 21 23 or 70 20 37 73.