TIPTOPSTARS

Filmmakers living in Cameroon's capital Yaounde have announced they will resume activities of their chapter of the Cameroon Film Industry organization (CFI). The artists and technicians took the vow in a meeting with the National Coordination of CFI that was kick-starting a nationwide tour of the various chapters of the organization from Yaounde. For quite some time, the chapter was mute and nothing filtered out as far as activities were concerned.

According to members of the chapter, there were several difficulties that held back CFI Yaounde from being active - logistics, misunderstandings, unresolved differences, tight schedules, etc. These problems did not only slow down the pace of activities within the chapter, but caused some members to derail. Others however remained on board and occasionally organized a few filmmaking-related activities. Such activities include training workshops, film projections and film launches.

Perhaps the most significant event the chapter has organize this far has been the COLLYWOOD NIGHT, a glamour gala that brought together movie stars and friends of the industry to celebrate achievements. Its initiator, Chiatoh Collins who doubles as CFI National Secretary has gone down in the annals for having registered such a spectacular event on the success books of the industry.

During the meeting, CFI Yaounde members acknowledged they had not done enough to construct the industry, but were ready to get down to work. They however urged the national coordination to be more communicative and provide the enabling environment for work to go on smoothly.

On his part, Wa'a Musi, CFI National Coordinator encouraged the Yaounde filmmakers to as he put it 'belong'. "By belonging, you have to register and be legal members of CFI," he insisted. Musi went on: "We need to be committed and make sacrifices if really we intend to build, reason why I'm urging you to get together and make up for past errors." The national coordinator acknowledged his bureau had had some lapses but said emphatically that they were not letting things crumble since their utmost task is to make it succeed.

To the CFI Public Relations Officer, Yaounde filmmakers had to rise from slumber and make things happen. "Apportioning blame is not the answer, but getting up from where you stumbled," he said.

"Yaounde incarnates national life and must be first in every aspect. We need to rise and uphold that leading position," said Chiatoh Collins, CFI National Secretary General who incidentally is a member of the chapter.

The Yaounde chapter of the Cameroon Film Industry (CFI) is headed by Yimbu Emmanuel, a renowned Cameroonian actor. Member of the chapter members constitute the big names in the industry including Neba Lawrence (director/producer), Agbor Steve (producer), Muma Pascal (actor), Godwin Nganah (producer), Asaba Ferdinand (director/producer), Solange Yijika (actress), Chi Anthony (producer/actor), Billy Bob Ndive (producer/director/actor), Vivian Nintai (producer/actress), Agwe George (director/actor), Tanwie Elvis (director), Tanko Francois (lighting technician), Keti Sylvanus (actor), Aicha Chatou Inoua (actress/producer), Efeti Moka (actress) Mbongho Junior (actor/editor) and Yengo Yvonne (actress).

Some movies produced by Yaounde filmmakers have been Clash of Inheritance, Phoenix Scar, Royal Destiny, Mark of the Absolute, Path of Love, My Successor, Audacity of Love, etc. Yaounde hosted the 2008 CFI national convention.