Cameroonian movies: Captive’s captivating story to capture audience
Ernest Kanjo
Sunday, 04 May 2014 22:10
One interesting trait about story writers and filmmakers is that they creep into the minds of people and try to live what the latter are living. Writer/actor Claudio Oben and film director John Uche are best at this and have just been displaying it in Captive, an upcoming Cameroonian movie which is already being awaited with much anxiety.
According to the movie’s producer, Captive will bring into focus what mentally challenged individuals go through. Claudio Oben, owner of the story told Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail this last Wednesday that he is committed to be voice out the ordeals of people suffering from mental health issues. In the story, protagonist Laurene Noire (Paula Obaseki) is seen struggling with OCD and illusions at her tender age. The rest of the story can only be imagined, but viewing the 48 minute-long film shot on locations in Maryland, USA would be very revealing.
Speaking to Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail, Claudio Oben who doubles as assister director of Captive told the show that the movie will be made public in the coming weeks. “The movie is packaged public will be duly informed when we are ready for the premiere,” Oben told TIPTOPSTARS at press time.
Directed by Nollywood’s John Uche, the Zeallmatic Pictures production is put together by a well acclaimed crew made up of Dymund Britt (Production Manager/Costume/Location), Christopher Okonkwo (D.O.P), Ejike Kelvin (Boom), Claudio Oben (Editor/Story/Script/Casting), Olamide McAnthony (Make-up), Paula Obaseki (Set & Props/Costume), Koby Maxwell (Casting/Location), Luigi Kattie (Behind-the-scenes), Luova Concepts (Co-producer), Paige Oben & Zeallmatic Pictures (Executive Producers).Starring in the movie are Chris Attoh, Paula Obaseki, Deserray Ay and Claudio Oben.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 May 2014 23:07
03May
“No room for envious, proud, tribalistic jury” – CMMA III organizers
Ernest Kanjo
Saturday, 03 May 2014 11:18
Organizers of the Cameroon Movie Merit Awards CMMA have promised people who are envious, proud, tribalistic and full of hate, that they will not have the chance to be part of the jury of the 2014 edition of the recognition event. Members of the said jury which will have five to seven people drawn from the various areas of the seventh art, according to a release sent to our newsroom, will be obliged to take an oath of confidentiality. They will also vow to vomit any practice that can work in favour of some over other contestants, the note stipulates further.
Outlining the rules of CMMA III, the organizers insisted that only submitted movies, not trailers, will be scrutinized, nominated and awarded. Submission which is supposed to have begun will end on August 31, 2014.
This year, 15 trophies are out for grabs in some of the most contested movie awards categories including, best actor in lead role, best actress in lead role, best actor in supporting role, best actress in supporting role, best child actor and best movie in the diaspora.
CMMA III is billed for Saturday December 20, 2014 at the sumptuous Chariot Hotel in Buea, headquarters of the South West region of Cameroon.
With young and visionary Cameroonians such as entertainment promoter and UN staff, Fred Keyanti and USA-based Cameroonian actress, Mairo Sanda behind this great initiative, the Cameroon Movies Merit Awards, CMMA is an annual recognition platform, organized by the Cam Movies. It rewards creativity, exceptionality, hard work and excellence in filmmaking. It kicked off in 2012 and has since then been acclaimed as one of the frontline recognition events in the country.
Here is the full copy of the CMMA release…
The Cam Movies Merit Awards (CMMA 3)
1.Brief Over View of the CMMA II
The CAM MOVIES MERIT AWARDS (CMMA) is an annual Cameroonian movie merit awards, organized by the Cam Movies. The CMMA honors creativity, exceptionality, hard work and excellence in filmmaking. First started in 2012, the CMMA is at its 3rd Edition. The Award has achieved 100% percent recognition amongst Cameroonian film makers and within the community.
2.Eligibility for CMMA
Movies submitted for the CMMA must be produced by a Cameroonian or if produced by a foreigner, 60% of its cast and crew must be Cameroonians. This applies to movies produced both at home and abroad. Movies may be submitted in English, French and Cameroonian Pigin.
3.Rules for the CMMA
The CMMA has been divided into 2 phase. Phase 1 which covers 90% of the CMMA points is based on actually film screening by a qualified Jury appointed amongst renounced film makers by the Cam Movies. The JURY takes an oath of confidentially and vows to avoid favoritism, regionalism, tribalism and hate. After the closing date for submission, the Cam Movies will appoint members of the CMMA JURY and set up a timetable for film screening. Only submitted movies will be screened by the JURY and trailers shall not be accepted. Unreleased films as well as films in postproduction may however be accepted for screening. After screening the movies, the JURY shall nominate films and artist into various category of the CMMA.
Phase 2 of the CMMA shall involve an online voting on the CMMA website. Those nominated by the Jury in Phase 1 above shall be eligible to compete online for 10 points through our website (www.cammovies.org). Points obtained online shall be added to the points issued by the JURY.
A winner in all categories shall them be announced at the night of the CMMA.
4.Award Prize
Each winner in each category of the award shall take home a CMMA trophy as well as a cash price (depending on the availability of funds). Trophies shall be designed and produced in the US.
5.Submission and Closing date
Submission for CMMA 3 opens from the 01st May 2014 to the 31st of August 2014. No films shall be accepted after closing date. However, exceptions shall be granted to films shipped from abroad which only arrives in Cameroon after the 31st of August 2014 but was shipped before the closing date.
6.Submission points
To inquire on the closest submission point in your location, send an email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
">
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
7.JURY
The Jury will be made up of professional movie makers, actors, directors, coach, editors that have not been nominated in any of the categories. It shall be made up of 5 to max 7 people who are free from hate, jealousy, envy, pride, tribalism, regionalism etc
8.Date and venue
CMMA III 2014 is set for Saturday the 20th of December 2014 at Chariot Hotel Banquet Hall, Buea. The event itself will have an early red carpet photo session and interviews with celebrities at about 2pm to 5pm.
9.Award categories
1.Best Actor LR
2.Best Actress LR
3.Best Actor SR
4.Best Actress SR
5.Best Child Actor/Actress
6.Best multi task artist
7.Best Diaspora Movie
8.Best Movie of the year
9.Best Film Editing
10.Best motion pictures
11.Media/TV award
12.Jury special Award
13.Best Short film
14.Best comedy film
15.Best film animation
Direct all questions to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
">
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thanks,
The Cam Movies Team
11Apr
New: Ekei trailer swells hopes of quality Cameroonian movies
Ernest Kanjo
Friday, 11 April 2014 23:38
The power of positive thinking is no doubt what Kang Quintus, Elian Mambo and Akim Macauley are now benefiting from, after the release of the official trailer of Ekei, the next Cameroonian movie on the line. The co-producers and director, speaking to this writer respectively on Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail while filming Ekei last year, said they were confident the movie would be a standardized piece.
“We are considering every aspect of production and making sure things are carefully done to avoid avoidable mistakes,” Kang had told the radio show. On his part, director, Akim Macauley was overwhelmed by a cast he confirmed was one any serious filmmaker would press their fingers on the table to work with. “I was particularly fascinated with the performance of Stephanie Maa whom I just discovered to be a brilliant actress. She made me proud and I’m glad we had her in Ekei,” Akim testified.
It’s beginning to dawn on listeners of that particular episode of African Cocktail and this writer that these filmmakers were by no means playing jokes. The Ekei trailer, from all indications, is the revelation. Since its release a couple of hours ago the Ekei trailer has been accumulating scores of reactions. “The trailer is awesome, I can’t wait to watch the full movie.” “That’s the key to success, good job.” “My people doing it big….” “I was crying as I watched the trailer, I can already imagine how the entire movie would look like…” “Akim Macauley has come again…” These and more are the kind of positive feedback comments the trailer, published on social media is currently generating.
With such anxiety, Ekei’s potential audience can truly not wait for the full-length product, we put it to producer Kang Quintus. “We understand this excitement, reason why we are carefully planning the movie’s release coming up sooner than they would imagine,” he told TIPTOPSTARS today. Kang added: “The date for the release and premiere will be made public as soon as these arrangements are made.”
Shot on locations in the USA and Cameroon, Ekei tells the story of a poor village girl who sets out on an unprecedented journey. Ekei, the protagonist, has never set foot in a city, let alone an American urban setting, but she now finds herself in one. Her dreamland turns to be the most dehumanizing experience when she has to face torture and other forms of violent treatment. She battles her way out but has a murder incident hanging on her head. Defying all odds, she comes across Vitalis Amuam, a perfect gentleman noted for his assiduity and generosity. Thanks to the latter, things turn around, yet Ekei has to face the law in a case that places the Jugde in a fix. The rest of the story is recounted cinematographically in the full-length Cameroonian movie coming up.
Starring in the Quinsia Film/Zeallmatic Pictures production are Staphanie Ma (Ghanaian), Chinepoh Cosson, Solieil Diva, Claudio Oben, Elian Mambo, Wendy Bangura (Sierra-Leonean), Nathalie Bih, Don Pale, Ntube Mcbright, Wkeith Scott, Peter Muggleworth, Jerri Barkers, Ngato Brian, Charmaine Mufua and others. Other technical crew members in the production include Christopher Okonkwo (D.O.P), Elvis Effamba (Camera Operator 1) and Penjo Baba (Camera Operator 2).
Ekei comes after Sister Dearest, The Storm and VIRI, three other Cameroonian movies released this year with an amazing attention. Its producer and artists will be talking to African Cocktail (on Afrikka Radio – www.afrikkaradio.com) in the subsequent edition of the midweek variety show hosted by journalist Ernest Kanjo
Last Updated on Sunday, 13 April 2014 21:27
31Mar
The story of three (3) movies
Ernest Kanjo
Monday, 31 March 2014 14:00
In writing the history of the Cameroonian film industry, the month of March 2014 will undoubtedly occupy reasonable space. It is during the month that some of the most spectacular things ever witnessed in recent times happened within in the movie sector. One of such things was the premiering of some three movies observers now think have been the most publicized in the industry – Sister Dearest, VIRI and The Storm.
Sister Dearest
Directed by John Ikem Uche and produced by USA-based Cameroonian-born Lilian Ndi, Sister Dearest, shot last year came into public space in January this year with the announcement of its premiere in March. Soon after the announcement was made, countless attractively designed flyers swept social network galvanizing gross attention from movie lovers that went beyond the producer’s country of origin. Every single day and moment, friends, well-wishers and industry shot callers tasked themselves with promoting the March 22 event which was awaited with lots of anxiety and excitement. As the D-day drew nearer, the crowd around Sister Dearest swelled and it became an event on every lip, home and abroad. Cast and crew members in the production took turns in marketing the official outing of Sister Dearest. A prominent case in point was a pre-event promo video orchestrated by actor Claudio Oben, starring in the now circulating movie. March 22 came and went and the event is now in the annals.
VIRI
Just like Sister Dearest, VIRI, a movie directed by Enah John Scott and produced by Nkanya Nkwai enjoyed publicity like it never happened before. However, unlike the John Ikem Uche film, VIRI benefitted from the promotion of a professional marketing outfit, Douala-run ModeMaison PR. In a captivating manner, the outfit vibrated news about VIRI’s March release and the Douala premiere so profusely that it caught the attention of other traditional media outfit including Afrikka Radio. In a pre-movie launch edition of African Cocktail with Ernest Kanjo, VIRI’s producer Nkanya Nkwai added his voice in selling the event. Later reports from Cameroon’s economic capital held that the VIRI premiere, just like predicted, was a successful event. “It was awesome and I’m proud to have been part of this great outing,” Lynno Lovert, one of the actors starring in the movie told African Cocktail on the line to Buea.
The Storm
Perhaps, the most exciting part of the March Movie month story is The Storm. Written by Kenneth Ngamne and produced by Emmanuel Takusi and directed by Obed Joe, The Storm fast became a phenomenon soon after its March 29 premiere was made public in January. Flyer after flyer, announcing its coming flooded Facebook, day in, day out. Interesting, the then upcoming premiere ceased to be a primary concern of the Team The Steam – it turned out to be everyone’s assignment. For the first time, a Cameroonian movie premiere in the USA was covered by the State-run broadcaster, CRTV, represented by FM 105 Douala Station boss and committed entertainment promoter Behyia Leonard Bruce. The event proper, described by observers was a come-and-see – glamourous in all aspects!
Sister Dearest, VIRI and The Storm, now released, are said to be some of the movies that have enjoyed an inexplicable attention since the start of the current dispensation within the film industry in Cameroon. Which movie comes next in this line? The coming months have the answer!
27Mar
“Read, take classes” – Emmanuel Takusi tells filmmakers
Ernest Kanjo
Thursday, 27 March 2014 01:11
The President of the Cameroon Filmmakers’ Guild, USA has enjoined movie directors and producers from the Central African country to come on board the organization which according to him, is already railing towards great achievements. Emmanuel Takusi was speaking on Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail on Wednesday March 26, 2014 and hosted by Ernest Kanjo. Takusi who was main speaker on the show insisted that the Cameroonian film industry cannot be competitive enough if shot callers decide to work on individualistic basis.
Speaking on the 44th edition of the show, the filmmaker who is producer of the upcoming The Storm said his country’s industry is blessed with very talented young people, many of whom have been making great effort to keep the sector alive. Takusi told the show he has been in a talking process with some of the frontline USA-based Cameroonian filmmakers and hopes that in a not-too-long distant future, everyone will be on board to run the movement with the few who have already taken the commitment.
As to whether the organization nurses plans to set up a production code, the Filmmakers’ Guild boss explained that CFI-USA is taking gradual steps, one after the other and cautiously grasping everything it does in the process just to ensure graving mistakes are not made. A production code is therefore highly considered and expert inputs will be definitely be sourced when the time comes, he mentioned.
Takusi whose ambition is see his country’s seventh art sector grow in movie production quantitatively and quality wise spoke of the importance of training. Within this framework he went further, workshops, seminars and other training forums are envisaged. This does not however mean artists and technicians should not embark on self-training. “They should buy film books, read, take classes in a bid to have a wider scope of knowledge on the art,” he advised. Takusi added: “If we do quality work, sponsors will undoubtedly be attracted.”
Humbly admitting, the main speaker on the show said CFI-USA would benefit a great deal by collaborating with platforms such as the Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards, NAFCA, the Golden Icons Academy and Movie Awards, GIAMA where Cameroon has been respectively recognized. To him, there is nothing wrong in opening up and learning from those industries that have succeeded to say the least. Prospects of collaborating with the world’s number one, Hollywood are equally not undermined, Takusi told us.
Takusi who runs Zonetak Studios, a film production outfit, also threw more light on The Storm movie which will officially be released on Saturday March 29, 2014. Starring in the movie, written by Kenneth Ngamne and directed by Obed Joe are some prominent Cameroonian and African actors in the USA including Ken Shally Monette, Mairo Sanda, Mat Atugon, Best Davis, obi Mcbright, etc.
Section Blog 
Directed by John Ikem Uche and produced by USA-based Cameroonian-born Lilian Ndi, Sister Dearest, shot last year came into public space in January this year with the announcement of its premiere in March. Soon after the announcement was made, countless attractively designed flyers swept social network galvanizing gross attention from movie lovers that went beyond the producer’s country of origin. Every single day and moment, friends, well-wishers and industry shot callers tasked themselves with promoting the March 22 event which was awaited with lots of anxiety and excitement. As the D-day drew nearer, the crowd around Sister Dearest swelled and it became an event on every lip, home and abroad. Cast and crew members in the production took turns in marketing the official outing of Sister Dearest. A prominent case in point was a pre-event promo video orchestrated by actor Claudio Oben, starring in the now circulating movie. March 22 came and went and the event is now in the annals.
Just like Sister Dearest, VIRI, a movie directed by Enah John Scott and produced by Nkanya Nkwai enjoyed publicity like it never happened before. However, unlike the John Ikem Uche film, VIRI benefitted from the promotion of a professional marketing outfit, Douala-run ModeMaison PR. In a captivating manner, the outfit vibrated news about VIRI’s March release and the Douala premiere so profusely that it caught the attention of other traditional media outfit including Afrikka Radio. In a pre-movie launch edition of African Cocktail with Ernest Kanjo, VIRI’s producer Nkanya Nkwai added his voice in selling the event. Later reports from Cameroon’s economic capital held that the VIRI premiere, just like predicted, was a successful event. “It was awesome and I’m proud to have been part of this great outing,” Lynno Lovert, one of the actors starring in the movie told African Cocktail on the line to Buea.
Perhaps, the most exciting part of the March Movie month story is The Storm. Written by Kenneth Ngamne and produced by Emmanuel Takusi and directed by Obed Joe, The Storm fast became a phenomenon soon after its March 29 premiere was made public in January. Flyer after flyer, announcing its coming flooded Facebook, day in, day out. Interesting, the then upcoming premiere ceased to be a primary concern of the Team The Steam – it turned out to be everyone’s assignment. For the first time, a Cameroonian movie premiere in the USA was covered by the State-run broadcaster, CRTV, represented by FM 105 Douala Station boss and committed entertainment promoter Behyia Leonard Bruce. The event proper, described by observers was a come-and-see – glamourous in all aspects!
The President of the Cameroon Filmmakers’ Guild, USA
Well, I think the CEA was a very shallow and misgu... More...
This is creativity we are talking about, this are ... More...
Lovelyn,your pre-selection criterias are ok but i'... More...
camhood 4 the better More...
CONGRATULATION. THANK GOD FOR YOU GUYS. CAMEROON S... More...
cool girls dat was great but this year we the cons... More...