We’ve stood the test of time” - Oben Slow, Holland-based Cameroonian film producer/director |
Friday, 01 June 2012 00:09 |
1.74m-tall Oben Slow knows other languages but he speaks filmmaking best. That’s perhaps the reason why he associates with Agbor Steve Ebai (Big Steve), Rich Manga and Chrono Entertainment, respectively one of the most prolific producers, best editors and stable production companies in Cameroon. Slow lives in the Netherlands but flies his country’s flag high enough to attract attention. His recent movie, Wrong Turn in Europe is a true picture of the cinema genius. It is a masterpiece. The young Cameroonian filmmaker had however come to the limelight long before that and is today one of the big Whigs as far as movie production in the diaspora is concerned. TIPTOPSTARS’ Belgium correspondent has had an eye on Oben Slow’s evolution. Titus Banyoh has been talking with the movie guru who writes, produces and direct films and here are the excerpts of a recent chat both men had. Titus Banyoh (TB): Oben Slow welcome and thanks for accepting to talk to TIPTOPSTARS. Oben Slow (OS): It’s a pleasure. Thanks very much for receiving me. TB: WHow long have you lived in the Netherlands? OS: Three years. TB: What prompted you into filmmaking and acting? OS: It was like Cameroon was lagging behind in this domain whereas other African nations were speedily on a ride. By the year 2000, I decided to break the silence and turn the tables. I was inspired by the fact that the country is endowed with talent sons and daughters who could do what other were doing. That’s how I got into filmmaking. TB: How many productions have you had so far? OS: I have worked in more than eight serious productions including Waiting in Vain, Ar Corna , Phoenix Scar, etc. TB: Which of these would you say gave you a run of your time and resources? OS: Wrong Turn in Europe. This is my first movie produced here in Europe and I had to face several challenges. TB: Talking about this movie, it seems to be winning a lot of attention. What is Wrong Turn In Europe all about? OS: The film described the circumstances under which most African immigrants find themselves in. It may not be a new thing, but the experiences are such that countless stories can be written and translated into film. Usually what makes the differences between story A and story B is how their producers arrange them cinematographically. So, I was inspired by such life as lived in Europe by African immigrants. TB: Where was it shot and who featured in the movie? OS: The film was shot in Holland and Belgium. We had Ako Proteus, Enow Florence and Cassandra Kinde, just to name a few, featuring. TB: How far have you gone with the marketing of Wrong Turn in Europe? OS: Pretty far. We have a marketer in the United States. Chrono Entertainment Europe is doing the marketing here in Europe while Chrono Entertainment Cameroon is covering Africa. TB: Now, you just did Wrong Turn in Europe Reloaded, what is it all about? OS: Wrong Turn in Europe Reloaded is just a new version of the film including the part of it that was shot in Cameroon, featuring prominent actors there. The whole film was re-edited and re-loaded with new effects making it to stand the taste of time. TB: Who are the people you worked with in Cameroon for W T Reloaded? OS: Chrono Entertainment started in Cameroon and being the managing director of the company, I worked with Chrono Entertainment Cameroon. It was a pleasure working with one of the country’s best film producers Agbor Stephen Ebai , we call him Big Steve. I also worked with Ayuk Richard Manga alias Rich Manga, one of the best editors. Then it was big time starring one of the the industry’s most desired elderly actors, Quinta Eyong Ashu popularly known as Mama Queen and Eyo Eyo Michael. TB: Do you intend to do a premiere for the movie? OS: No. TB: Any new project at hand? OS: In filmmaking there is no haste. I have to take time and produce something the public will enjoy. I’m still taking my time to plan the next production. We don’t hurry Titus, you know …(laughs). TB: How would you assess the work Cameroonian filmmakers are doing in Europe? OS: It is growing and I look forward to a day we can all come together and create a producers’ /director’s organization, so that from time to time we can discuss issues concerning filmmaking . This I believe will make us stand the test of time. TB: You keep talking about standing the test of time, what does that really mean? OS: Hahahahah, ok test of time! Well, first, it is our slogan at Chrono Entertainment. Secondly, we move with changing times as per technological evolution and all what it takes to do good productions. To stand that test of time, we of Chrono Entertainment take time to research and can only package our stuff based on what we find out our audience would enjoy with little complains. TB: We will be back with you as things unfold. Thanks for the brief chat. OS: Thanks a millie to you and TTS! It was a nice one. |
Last Updated on Friday, 01 June 2012 00:17 |
While corporate communicators focus on strategic messages to win and consolidate clients, Youtubers are much more social in their approach. These ones engage citizens in practical tips in every area... Read more
TTS Be the first to comment! 16 May 2020 Hits:2318 INTERVIEWS
From an initial standpoint, it may seem as if the situation of immigrant kids vis-à-vis education and career choice is the same as natural citizens of these host countries (western... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 30 Jun 2015 Hits:60024 INTERVIEWS
Ernest Kanjo (USA) - Even in the ecstasy of a hot bowl of fufu corn and khati khati (a traditional delicacy of the people of Kom in the North West... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 28 Jun 2015 Hits:122329 INTERVIEWS
Experience is the best teacher, so goes the saying and if Princess Bridget is proud of her first music album it is because she actually gained stage and... Read more
Titus Banyoh Be the first to comment! 15 Jun 2015 Hits:11030 INTERVIEWS
It would not be out of place to venture that Kesha Kena Emmanuel pulls the biggest weight within his country’s film movement, at least, as far as administration is... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 14 Apr 2015 Hits:10488 INTERVIEWS
Being awarded is not a new thing to Missy BK. Her irresistible music has fetched her some prizes. But a recognition for something that does not have a direct... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 18 Mar 2015 Hits:9425 INTERVIEWS
Cloned with inert passion for movie acting, Merlisa Determined has unstoppably been determined to contribute enormously in putting a much-needed smile on the faces of less privileged girls and... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 02 Oct 2014 Hits:32799 INTERVIEWS
Increasing, young Cameroonians in the diaspora are not just putting their God-given artistic skills into action, but are making a livelihood from the art they know best. Particularly, there has... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 09 Dec 2013 Hits:26805 INTERVIEWS
Before the new movement which has accentuated the progress in the Cameroonian film sector, sporadic, but frantic moves to position the industry were made in the diaspora. Even when such... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 30 Mar 2013 Hits:11805 INTERVIEWS
39-year-old Atem Ebako Tahirih is one of those who bear Cameroon’s movie flag in the diaspora. For one thing, she flies the flag really high. Her solid movie background places... Read more
Titus Banyoh Be the first to comment! 08 Mar 2013 Hits:21609 INTERVIEWS
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... Read more
Ernest Kanjo Be the first to comment! 20 Feb 2013 Hits:11629 INTERVIEWS
It’s so easy to think that 23 is a tender age to make things happen, especially in an area as delicate, technically challenging and financially heavy as film production. It... Read more
TTS Be the first to comment! 16 Jan 2013 Hits:28150 INTERVIEWS
Trade Fair Show is one thing its creator holds so tight at heart. This is apparently because Emile Tah invested her intellect and mind into. And that it has... Read more
Anang Christy Ijang Be the first to comment! 14 Jan 2013 Hits:9975 INTERVIEWS
Dust is yet to settle on the maiden edition of the Cam Movies Merit Awards (CMMA), held in Buea recently. If there is one thing that gave the event... Read more
Asonganyi Carista N. Be the first to comment! 27 Nov 2012 Hits:10999 INTERVIEWS
1.65m-tall Addy Ngonde sings, dances, writes and even perform a good number of sporting disciplines, but acting seems to nourish her heart with pleasure most. For one thing, she masters... Read more
Titus Banyoh Be the first to comment! 15 Nov 2012 Hits:16317 INTERVIEWS
Composing songs is not a big deal to Gipraise. God takes care of that for the up-and-coming gospel artiste. Each time He speaks to him, the Almighty has given Gideon…
Hitherto described as embryonic, the Cameroonian film industry seems to be multiplying paces in a bid to embrace maturity. From every indication, it will sooner than later bid bye to…
Based in her native Cameroon, 21- year- old Tiana Gasha shows signs of turning into one of the country’s leading singers, at least in the Afro Acoustic genre, in the…
If there is one thing that is certain, it is the fact that the film industry in Cameroon is alive. Described by observers as embryonic, the industry grows from…
She is more familiar with Jee! “That’s the name my friends call me,” Enang Juliette told us recently. The young female Cameroon now breathes some air of nobility after being…
For one thing, Lovelyn Afong has a big. She would dare and refuse to chill, even when she is confronted by hazardous challenges. One of the things daring initiatives she…
If that was the first time she was doing it, then 24-year-old Belagie Ayuk shall never afford to forget her 13th birthday. “It was such a special day in…
It’s common knowledge that Cameroon is experiencing an exciting evolution in its entertainment industry. Within the last couple of years, a generation of extra-ordinarily talented young artists has been the…
1.74m-tall Oben Slow knows other languages but he speaks filmmaking best. That’s perhaps the reason why he associates with Agbor Steve Ebai (Big Steve), Rich Manga and Chrono Entertainment,…