TIPTOPSTARS

They might have been wallowing in squalor, following a long-held disturbing silence that kept Cameroonian film directors in the oblivion. But these shot callers have at last turned the tables and are convincingly ready to start the new journey towards giving a befitting representation to the practice of the art/science they know best – directing. And that movie directors are converging on Kumba to start charting the route towards their goal is a thing to write home about. The consoling ‘come-true’ of their dreams begin at the conference hall of the Kumba Women’s Empowerment Centre in less than 72 hours.

The maiden meeting of the Director Guild of Cameroon has been in gestation since the shot callers departed from Yaounde after marking their remarkable presence at the March 23 Cameroon Film Industry, CFI General Assembly that saw the birth of a board to henceforth pilot affairs of the sector. It is reported that close to 50 film directors answered present at the said GA.

In Kumba, chief town of Meme Division in the South West region of Cameroon, there is growing anxiety – first – for hosting such a big event and secondly – to turn it into a resounding success story. Success has been the watch word for the hosting directors’guild members -  Ayukachem Stephen aka Maru Gatscaya, Esua Julius Fossung  alias The Rambler, Ebako Derrick fondly called Mbonji Drickwest, Molimi Cletus Ngwana,  Edmond, call him Eddie Goffi,  Kenneth Akoh and others. For one thing, these Kumba-based film directors are known to be meticulous when it comes to organization and are not ready to have this maiden come-together pull down such a reputation. Ahead of Saturday’s conclave, TIPTOPSTARS’ K-Town lady, Anang Christy Ijang talked with some of them and sought to know just how prepared was Kumba.

“My name is Molimi Cletus. I feel honoured that Kumba is hosting this first deliberation and also glad that the new order is kicking off from this town. We are quite ready to host the meeting and only waiting on delegates. It’s about time movie directors in Cameroon put some order in the house. This meeting will affect the shape of the industry. I consider it the herald of a new dawn in the film industry in my country.”

“I’m Esua Julius. A wise man once said that opportunity sometimes puts on the cloak of responsibility. We in Kumba have understood that honour involved in receiving our colleagues from all over Cameroon to brainstorm and chart a way forward. Kumba is known for its legendary hospitality and it is this value we are going to extend to members of our guild. On the other hand, we await serious issues to be discussed and hope that at the end of the day the Kumba meeting would set the platform for greater achievements within the film directing core.”

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April 2013 will  forever remain fresh in the minds of Cameroonians and particularly lovers of the seven art. At the time we were publishing the most recent article on Ninah’s Dowry a couple of hours ago and saying the Pan African International Film Festival in Cannes, France is going to feature the movie in its 2013 edition, it was already harvesting awards at the event. It is now confirmed the Cameroonian  movie gathered three - Anurin Nwunembom (Best Actor), Mbufung Shiek (Best Actress) and Ninah's Dowry (Best Film).

This came less than 24 hours after Ninah’s Dowry bountifully picked up the AMAA Special Jury's Award in Nigeria.  «This film is unbeatable, » commented Fred Keyanti of Cam Movies. « Who says our industry is not a force to reckon with…’ » Alasabom Nyintchou, member of the CFI Board reacted. « Wow, that’s great, we have to throw a party in honour of these guys, » Douala-based seasoned film maker Etta Rene could not hide his joy.

Then this reporter contatcted Yibain Emile-Aime Chah, who is part of the Ninah’s Dowry crew and is currently facilitating a film workshop in Tanzania. What is your initial imression ? We put it to Ancestor as the film maker is fondly called. « I’m too happy. I expected more from Nigeria, but I’m happy with what we had, » he told TIPTOPSTARS on the line to Zanzibar.

Editorial comment                                

It has not been a common phenomenon that a Cameroonian movie should harvest awards festival after festival withing a short period of time. Like we wrote in previous reports, Ninah’s Dowry has won the prestigious authority of becoming Cameroon’s leading ambassador in the film sector.There is no point of argument about that. Now the questions : Is Cameroon aware ? Are the powers that be aware ? Is it established in Yaounde that this movie and the crew have become the country’s ambassadors ? What is the ambiance at the titular ministry – the Ministry of Culture ? What is Cameroon thinking ? Is the number executive going to receive the Ninah’s Dowry team at the State House ? If not, will his Prime Minister going to grand them audience at the Star Building ? Are these guys going to receive national honours ? Will they be declared national heroes and heroines ? The questions are endless. TIPTOPSTARS does not have the answers – perhaps the powers that be have.

But at a time Cameroon is facing serious setbacks with its number one religion – football, could this just be an opportunity to recognize heroes of other domains. By the way, film/cinema is not a push-over sector – Hollywood and Nollywood are testimonies to this.

For sure, Ninah’s Dowry is on an unstoppable journey – more awards are on the way. Kudos guys !

When Victor Viyuoh told TIPTOSTARS’ Editor three days ago that he would humbly accept any outcome, but was concerned with the seven nominations Ninah’s Dowry secured at the African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, little did the Cameroonian film maker knew his team  was travelling to Yenagoa to lift yet another trophy. Today, Ninah’s Dowry has confirmed it is historic piece of job. The Cameroonian movie had a special place in the hearts of members of the jury who found justice in rewarding it with a Jury’s Special Award.

 But reactions have already been pouring in. “Wonderful, that’s great. Kudos to the Cameroonian film industry!” said Junior Mbongho, a film editor, actor, communicator and Cameroonian student in the United Kingdom. “I was confident Ninah’s Dowry would pull a prize at AMAA. I’m quite impressed and proud to be a Cameroonian,” Felly Yungo, a Cameroonian movie lover told us from Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Still from the USA, Cameroonian actress Audrey Funteh reacted: “Wow, we’re going places. I’m very happy our people are making us proud.”

Similar reactions have been coming from film producers. “Wow, that’s a huge breakthrough. I’m proud to be a Cameroonian film maker,” Germany-based Valery Atia told us.

Ninah’s Dowry’s latest glory has not left the media and promoters of the Cameroonian entertainment indifferent. “Extreme happiness! A Cameroonian film!This win is a vital sign for the Cameroonian film industry,” CNE’s Kymaa Don told us in a quick feedback.

TIPTOPSTARS is still trying to reach the formidable team that accompanied the movie at yesterday AMAA reward nights said to have been characterized by glitz and glamour. As part of the team were Anurin Nwunembom and Eka Chirsta who prematurely left a Zanzibar, Tanzania film workshop to answer present at AMAA. Both actors were nominated.

Ninah’s Dowry now becomes the second Cameroonian movie to pick a coverted prize at the prestigious AMAA after Ariane Astrid Atodji’s Koundi et Le Jeudi Nationale won the best documentary in 2011. Ninah’s Dowry which has been to several festivals is also laureate of the Audience Awards at the Big Muddy Film Festival in Carbondale and most recently (less than three weeks ago) World Cinema Award at the Phoenix Film Festival. The movie will be featuring at the Festival International de Film Panafricain in Cannes on this week,  at the Pearl International Film Festival in Uganda in May and at the Berkshire International Film Festival in Great Barrington, MA.

With these victories however, the producer says he is still expecting a concrete reaction from the Cameroonian government which no doubt benefits quite much from Ninah’s Dowry’s ambassadorial status.

Shot in Sagba, North West region of Cameroon, Ninah’s Dowry is directed by Victor Viyuoh featuring Mbufung Seikeh, Anurin Nwunembom, Vugar Samson, Nkwah Kingsley, Nsuh George (Big George), Christa Eka, Nobert Kecha, Bodi Rolland Tamfu, Ndenge Dian Thelma Cheny, Ekwa, Sally Talla, Photem Michael, Che Fuh Hilarius, Adambi Mbango Ngene, etc.

TIPTOPSTARS will be talking to Victor Viyuoh in a subsequent update but for now, it is kudos to the entire Ninah’s Dowry team.