TIPTOPSTARS

April 2013 will  forever remain fresh in the minds of Cameroonians and particularly lovers of the seven art. At the time we were publishing the most recent article on Ninah’s Dowry a couple of hours ago and saying the Pan African International Film Festival in Cannes, France is going to feature the movie in its 2013 edition, it was already harvesting awards at the event. It is now confirmed the Cameroonian  movie gathered three - Anurin Nwunembom (Best Actor), Mbufung Shiek (Best Actress) and Ninah's Dowry (Best Film).

This came less than 24 hours after Ninah’s Dowry bountifully picked up the AMAA Special Jury's Award in Nigeria.  «This film is unbeatable, » commented Fred Keyanti of Cam Movies. « Who says our industry is not a force to reckon with…’ » Alasabom Nyintchou, member of the CFI Board reacted. « Wow, that’s great, we have to throw a party in honour of these guys, » Douala-based seasoned film maker Etta Rene could not hide his joy.

Then this reporter contatcted Yibain Emile-Aime Chah, who is part of the Ninah’s Dowry crew and is currently facilitating a film workshop in Tanzania. What is your initial imression ? We put it to Ancestor as the film maker is fondly called. « I’m too happy. I expected more from Nigeria, but I’m happy with what we had, » he told TIPTOPSTARS on the line to Zanzibar.

Editorial comment                                

It has not been a common phenomenon that a Cameroonian movie should harvest awards festival after festival withing a short period of time. Like we wrote in previous reports, Ninah’s Dowry has won the prestigious authority of becoming Cameroon’s leading ambassador in the film sector.There is no point of argument about that. Now the questions : Is Cameroon aware ? Are the powers that be aware ? Is it established in Yaounde that this movie and the crew have become the country’s ambassadors ? What is the ambiance at the titular ministry – the Ministry of Culture ? What is Cameroon thinking ? Is the number executive going to receive the Ninah’s Dowry team at the State House ? If not, will his Prime Minister going to grand them audience at the Star Building ? Are these guys going to receive national honours ? Will they be declared national heroes and heroines ? The questions are endless. TIPTOPSTARS does not have the answers – perhaps the powers that be have.

But at a time Cameroon is facing serious setbacks with its number one religion – football, could this just be an opportunity to recognize heroes of other domains. By the way, film/cinema is not a push-over sector – Hollywood and Nollywood are testimonies to this.

For sure, Ninah’s Dowry is on an unstoppable journey – more awards are on the way. Kudos guys !