TIPTOPSTARS

To say the film industry in Cameroon is gearing towards maturity is not an overstatement. Both in quantity and quality, there is a glaring growth taking place to the utter satisfaction of the country’s culture promoters. And that there are many more films produced in the English, is a thing to write home about. On this score, Bamenda has been awake, feeding Cameroon with sellable movies, many of which have transcended the county’s borders and are being watched abroad with great appetite.

As, the country celebrates this trend, another explosive Cameroonian movie is on the way to the market. Who Am I?, already shot and edited will be released in the coming days. According to its producer and executive producer, Ala Leo, the movie will be premiered on November 3, 2012. “The event will take place at the renowned Ayaba Hotel, beginning at 4.00pm,” he announced.

In a bid to support the efforts of young Cameroonians who are oiling the country’s film industry, the general public is urged to turn up for the Who Am I? premiere and why not procure copies of the movie at twice, thrice or ten times its cover price. “That’s the kind of support we mean,” said an organizer of the November 3 event.

Who Am I? exploits the theme of child abandonment and seeks to show how faith in Christ can turn a hitherto spiritually suspicious atmosphere within a family into a glorious victory. According to the story, Ndeh (Ala Leo) is still very intelligent, despite several brain surgeries. His girlfriend Shirri’s (Chitu Noella) father, Mr. Chinda (Vugar Samson) just like others, think he is an “Obanjeh” (mermaid-like child). Despised and neglected by all, except his mum (Bysoh Anne) and sister (Ala Nadyne), Ndeh asks himself the ultimate question, “who am I?” Reverend Samuel (Libota Macdonald) and Sinzia (Laura), an Italian philanthropist sees things differently. What is Ndeh’s mission on earth and who is he? The rest of the tale is recounted in the must-watch movie directed by Njimanju Deric.

Shot on locations in Bamenda, Who Am I? is screenplayed by Musing Derick and edited by Takong Delvis, assisted by Titangoh David. The indefatigable Francois Tanko just returned to his Yaounde base after operating the camera for this project. “It was a wonderful experience and the entire crew was fantastic,” Tanko had told TIPTOPSTARS editor soon after completing the project. Assistant director, Nsuh George (also a talented actor) would surely have had similar feelings, just like production manager, Ala Nadyne. While Vugar Samson shuttled roles from acting and probs and set, Chi Collins introduced the cast and crew to the various locations. Actor Libota Mcdonald, known for his ever gorgeous outfits, dressed up the cast while Neba Suhnfor made sure the sets were always properly lighted. “We never stayed without eating, our able Lukong Claris provided us with sumptuous meals throughout the production,” a crew member reported. The movie’s soundtrack is the handiwork of Bahood Studio and Takong Delvis.

It should be noted that this project mobilized some of the best brains in the art of filmmaking in English-speaking Cameroon, a clear indication that Who Am I? will be a movie not to miss. Go for your copies as soon as it is released!