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.