TIPTOPSTARS

These days in Cameroon, every film lover cites Neba Lawrence for the good quality productions he has been serving. Neba is now striking those key cords in film directing to the utter satisfaction of his employers and the consuming public. Even before they complete the digestion process of  Clash of Inheritance which he directed  last year, movie fans may soon be spoiled again by yet another rich production, the kind usually described in film jargon as block buster. Judas Kiss, shot on South African locations (Somerset West, Strand beach, Gordons Bay, Cape Town Central (long street), Mutzinburg, Brakenfell and Van der stel) is indeed such a movie, ready to hold viewers spellbound upon released in the coming months.

For 90 minutes, Neba has cinematically translated Egbe Thompson's own version of the 'bushfalling' experience which to the producer must be consumed by potential immigrants as a caution tablet. This is because to Egbe, life is not automatically bettered as previously hoped upon arrival in South Africa. Rather, disappointment, betrayal, murder, revenge and jail sentence await doubting Thomases with gross impatience.

That Egbe uses Cameroonians to tell the Judas Kiss story is not a mistake. The young Cameroonian and perhaps his compatriots have been victims of the not-too-juicy beginning of life outside home. With part of the cast being Nigerians, it is also clear they too are not spared of rather sad reality of not fulfilling their dreams as soon as expected. But on set, Neba's actors have brilliantly packaged their message which would surely be received with much appetite when Judas Kiss hits the market. One thing is certain - Judas Kiss is en route to catapult South Africa-based Cameroonian actors to stardom. Who says the budding actors were not aware of this before taking up the roles? Well, discover Egbe Thompson's acting prowess as he interprets Enow. Ntoko Valery's fans would have reason to clinch to their Judas Kiss copies when they watch him do Ken. Meanwhile Sampson Egbe as Detective did not spare any effort in bringing out the qualities that entail being one. And as Man at the Restaurant, humble Anthony Ambe provides an added beauty to the story.

The magic about the success of Judas Kiss was perhaps that its director, prior to shooting, engaged the artists (many of whom were novices) in drilling sessions. Through this, there was an exciting display of charisma, patience, know-how, drive and passion, qualities which the director is also known to possess.

According to actor Ambe who doubles as an official of the Mountain Films SA (the producing company of Judas Kiss), the young Cameroonian director left footprints as he concluded Judas Kiss a few months back. Said he of Neba: "His skills and humble nature, Lawrence made those of us who were privileged work with him proud." Our South African counterparts and actors from other countries have not stopped admiring us because of him and can't wait to work with him again. He is a true ambassador. I think he will do go places."

Also featuring in Judas Kiss are Joe    Ofon, Adelegan A, Lidia Donasimento, Loic Rossat, Nozandi Biko, Franklin Butto, Mbe Solomon, John Wiraker. The actors, coming from several other countries we are told would hardly forget the memorable production. TIPTOPSTARS hopes to talk with some of them in subsequent updates.

It should be noted that Mountain Films SA has just gone operational and deals in the production of movies, music, etc. Its CEO Egbe Thompson will be releasing his music album in the first quarter of 2011. "We are willing to be of assistance to anyone who is interested in doing movies in South Africa or even collaborate with us," Ambe told TIPTOPSTARS on the line to Cape Town.

Television was a rare commodity in the Pacesetters and Mills and Boons days. Pacesetters was a West African writers' series with short but irresistibly interesting stories covering a wide range of themes. Mills and Boons was a huge collection of American love; espionage and investigative stories. Hardly could young boys and girls in the 80s afford to miss them - so too was Florence Nyama a fan of Pacesetters and Mills and Boons. She read huge volumes of these stories and enjoyed them.

But young Florence's attachment to these novels did not only end in reading them. She got really inspired by protagonists whom she could visualize acting each time she held tight to a story. Before long, her mind became a spacious nursery for acting ambitions. "Sometimes I would see myself playing one of the roles in the book and this inspired the more," she told TIPTOPSTARS in an online interview.

Today the Cameroonian actress, based in Tiko in Fako Division of the South West region is fast becoming a big name in the industry. Having been on set for 10 years now, Nyama has hit the mark by pleasing consumers of some of her films. Her wonderful performance did not escape the vigilance of members of the 2010 Fako Film Festival jury who prided the artist with a second best actress award. "That was my first participation in a film festival," the Niche Entertainment rising movie star.

But what makes Nyama a good actress? The actress who hails from Bafia in the Centre region replied : "I deal with people from all walks of life given that I'm a teacher and that makes me able to interpret any role I'm given. As a matter of fact I'm a versatile actress. Also, acting is my passion and I enjoy sending across messages. So each time I have the opportunity, I do my utmost best to o deliver and please my audience."

Married wih two children, the 1.67m-tall actress at times faces the challenge of having to manage time to handle domestic chores and movie activities, but tries to do that judiciously.

Nyama has featured in several Cameroonian movies including Faced With the Past, Endless Rules, Complex Games, Desperate Arrest, Women Court of Justice, Lady in Red and most recently in The Majority. She dreams to feature in a Hollywood movie some day. She is also endowed with other skills such as singing, dancing and decoration.