TIPTOPSTARS

How successful the film industry in Cameroon becomes would  largely depend on the unconditional commitment put in by stakeholders (people and structures). The stakeholders, in building this house so dear to a country usually known to be a cultural haven, must surrender resources (human, financial, material, time, etc) to fuel the process. It is usually not so easy to do this, but the hard-struggling way seems to be the only way. It is this option that Peter Ndjodzeka aka Penjo, one of Cameroon’s most hard working filmmakers has taken. Penjo, through his filmmaking outfit, Penjo Entertainment Productions has launched yet another project that will undoubtedly catapult his country’s fast-growing film industry to higher heights. The said project is a documentary on Cameroonian film industry.

The documentary titled The Builders consists of letting the people in the domain talk and is aimed at finding lasting solutions to the problems plaguing the sector. In the process, Penjo’s interviewees are expected to speak out their minds, telling the audience where exactly they think the industry has lapses and what can be done to amend the situation.

The actors, producers, directors, investors, etc are also expected in the Penjo documentary to indicate where they think Cameroon is making positive strides and how this can be made more palatable. “This documentary seeks to construct a firm industry and move us ahead with one voice. After the documentary, it will be easier for us all to know where to amend,” Penjo explained in an invitation note to potential interviewees.

Interestingly, the project has kicked off with about 25 people already interviewed (can be viewed on facebook). Among the early interviewees are stars such as Agbor Gilbert, Christy Eka, Achille Brice, Lynno Lovert, Nchifor Valery and Epule Jeffery.

The Penjo Entertainment crew plans to make trips to Kumba, Limbe, Douala and Soa in Yaounde to continue taking footage. To that effect, the initiator urges filmmakers in these places to constitute themselves and let the team know when exactly to come around. “They can get to us via 7502-7187 or 7771-6288 or email us at 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 ,” Penjo said.

The Builders comes at a time the film industry in Cameroon is making frantic efforts to rise despite the ambiguous economic environment that usually slackens the pace of development in this sector. In the recent past, Cameroon has scored good points in film count with scores of movies thrown into the market on a regular basis.

Meantime, Penjo has won considerable admiration for his extra-ordinarily creative mind. The Yaounde-based filmmaker is known to have initiated and piloted some of the most excitingly beneficial projects in the past couple of years. He has opened a platform for young models to express themselves. Penjo who also runs a village development project aimed at providing portable water to less privileged people jacks in everything, yet masters them all. TIPTOPSTARS will be back with an exclusive interview in which Penjo will provide more explanation on the The Builders project.