TIPTOPSTARS

It may take longer than expected for dust to settle on the September 27, 2014 premiere of DECODED, a Cameroonian movie with a mixed cast, produced by Gold Age Entertainment and directed by Akim Macauley. Organizers fashioned it in such a way that it would last long, not only on the minds of guests who physically showed up at the Douala Bercy, but movie lovers and observers who followed the event from afar.

“Amazing premiere!” Adeline Sede Kamga simple put it. The Douala-based publisher of FabAfriq Magazine was one of the frontline Cameroonian entertainment promoters present at the red carpet movie premiere. To the young publisher, the pump that characterized the official outing of DECODED was a clear indication that the sense of good organization was fast becoming the order of the day within the Cameroonian entertainment circles.

 Observing from London, the publisher of Africally Speaking, yet another renowned magazine simply said the premiere was “a nice one”. Ngum Ngafor, just like TV host and writer Joan Ngomba were amazed. The latter whose TV show DECODED sounds like a twin with the movie that was being premiered told TIPTOPSTARS that she was glad the event went on successfully. “TIPTOPSTARS did a great job by letting us followed it live online,” she remarked from her Lagos abort.

The movie’s director who was unavoidably absent from the event couldn’t hide his positive feelings after learning Decoded had a befitting reception. From his Maryland, USA base, Akim Macauley expressed it in just three strong words: “Cameroon got talents.”

At home just like abroad, reactions have been streaming in. Some observers have even dared to say the Douala Bercy event was diametrically opposing to the impression scores of Cameroonian have about the country’s film industry which is generally negative. “Many more of such well organized events would shoot the industry in the skies,” Blaise, a movie lover who drove from Buea to attend the event told TIPTOPSTARS.

Meanwhile, the event was a make-shift roundabout of a cream of Cameroonian filmmakers and actors including the indefatigable Agbor Gilbert Ebot, CFI Vice chair Brenda Elung Shey (doubling as executive producer of Decoded),  Jeffery Epule (lead actor), Solange Yijika (lead actress), Desmond Wyte, Nchifor Valery, Adel Dikana, etc.

Perhaps, the events foreign guest, Ghanaian actor Van Vicker who is also starring in Decoded was another major attraction. Vicker’s presence naturally provided more colour to the September 27 movie premiere. “I’m proud of you all and would love to work with you more and more,” the Ghanaian movie icon who has made great strides in Nollywood said.

Amongst other exciting items on the event’s agenda was a display of Cameroonian attire in a fashion parade and screening of the movie. “It is a masterpiece and I must applaud the makers of Decoded for this great job,” the Buea guest commented after watching the movie.

Shot on locations in Limbe in August 2012, Decoded is a love story that unfolds with complicated conflicts, born from a betrayal of friendship (Nicholas – Buh Proxy and Steve – Jeff Epule) until the third party, David – Van Vicker comes on board. The conflict is revolving around Jasmine, Steve’s to-be-wed wife - Solange Yijika. The rest of the story is told in the highly publicized movie which is has already hit the market and can be procured.

The Douala premiere was preceding the one of the seaside resort of Limbe in the South West region, happening at press time.