TIPTOPSTARS

Commenting in Among Youths (a one-time best-selling English language magazine published in Cameroon), some years back, this writer opined that producer Agbor Gilbert Ebot had become so popular that any project he brought up turned out to be a great sensation. The fact, just like the observation has stayed intact.

Since Far, the much-talked Cameroonian movie co-produced by AGE and Cradle Rocks Productions Int’l went into gestation in February this year, the project has been in the headlines. Then, no sooner had Far’s anxious audience digested the movie’s recently released trailer, than it picked up six nominations for the Cameroon Academy Awards, Sonnah, which will be in its first edition this December.

“I’m surprised, yet excited,” Mathew Eyong, co-producer of Far told us when TIPTOPSTARS contacted him for his reaction. Also speaking from his Columbus, Ohio home, Mathew, who doubles as author of the story, hoped that Far will go beyond nomination. “It should not end there, I hope that Far will bag home prizes,” he said. And added: “I also think this is the beginning of many more good tidings. Far will surely get nominated for other awards and will harvest as many awards as possible.”

On her part, the Chief Operation Officer, of Cradle Rocks Productions Int’l, Far’s co-production outfit expressed great satisfaction vis-à-vis the nomination. “That the movie has picked up six nominations is incredibly good. I’m so inspired because it is our maiden production,” Mercy Etta told TIPTOPSTARS Editor. “This is simply telling us that we have a huge responsibility to keep up with the good work and satisfy our audience to the fullest. It’s so encouraging and we have pledged to work in the same spirit. The multiple nominations is a strength, both to Cradle Rocks Productions International and AGE, we are really honoured and humbled,” she added.

International actress, Caribbean-born Merlisa Determined, starring in the movie could not hide excitement. “Awwwwww, that’s awesome!” she exclaimed. “So soon..,” Merlisa asked rhetorically. She went on: “That’s so sweet. I know Far will go places, we’re looking forward to seeing the movie grab as many prizes as it can. Congrats to the entire Far team.”

Far will thus be contesting in the following categories: best film, best lead actor (Jeffery Epule), best actor in supporting role (Alenne Menget), best actress in supporting role (Quinta Eyong Ashu), best cinematography (Stanley Micki), best Pan African actor (Dakore Akande).

Shot on locations in Maryland (USA), Buea, Limbe and Douala, Far is directed by Ikechwuku Onyeka, starring Jim Iyke, Merlisa Determined (Caribbean-born, USA-based international actress), Dakore Akande, Jeffery Epule, Alenne Menget, Quinta Eyong Ashu, Otia Vitalis, Libota McDonald, Kang Quintus. Also featuring in the up-coming movie are Maru Gatscaya, Mercy Etta, Tah Samson, Pridine Fru and others.