TIPTOPSTARS

We’ve stood the test of time” - Oben Slow, Holland-based Cameroonian film producer/director

Titus Banyoh / Friday, 01 June 2012 00:09

1.74m-tall Oben Slow knows other languages but he speaks filmmaking best. That’s perhaps the reason why he associates with Agbor Steve Ebai (Big Steve), Rich Manga and Chrono Entertainment, respectively one of the most prolific producers, best editors and stable production companies in Cameroon. Slow lives in the Netherlands but flies his country’s flag high enough to attract attention. His recent movie, Wrong Turn in Europe is a true picture of the cinema genius. It is a masterpiece. The young Cameroonian filmmaker had however come to the limelight long before that and is today one of the big Whigs as far as movie production in the diaspora is concerned. TIPTOPSTARS’ Belgium correspondent has had an eye on Oben Slow’s evolution. Titus Banyoh has been talking with the movie guru who writes, produces and direct films and here are the excerpts of a recent chat both men had.

Titus Banyoh (TB): Oben Slow welcome and thanks for accepting to talk to TIPTOPSTARS.

Oben Slow (OS): It’s a pleasure. Thanks very much for receiving me.

TB: WHow long have you lived in the Netherlands?

OS: Three years.

TB: What prompted you into filmmaking and acting?

OS: It was like Cameroon was lagging behind in this domain whereas other African nations were speedily on a ride. By the year 2000, I decided to break the silence and turn the tables. I was inspired by the fact that the country is endowed with talent sons and daughters who could do what other were doing. That’s how I got into filmmaking.

TB: How many productions have you had so far?

OS: I have worked in more than eight serious productions including Waiting in Vain, Ar Corna , Phoenix Scar, etc.

TB: Which of these would you say gave you a run of your time and resources?

OS: Wrong Turn in Europe. This is my first movie produced here in Europe and I had to face several challenges.

TB: Talking about this movie, it seems to be winning a lot of attention. What is Wrong Turn In Europe all about?

OS: The film described the circumstances under which most African immigrants find themselves in. It may not be a new thing, but the experiences are such that countless stories can be written and translated into film. Usually what makes the differences between story A and story B is how their producers arrange them cinematographically. So, I was inspired by such life as lived in Europe by African immigrants.

TB: Where was it shot and who featured in the movie?

OS: The film was shot in Holland and Belgium. We had Ako Proteus, Enow Florence and Cassandra Kinde, just to name a few, featuring.

TB: How far have you gone with the marketing of Wrong Turn in Europe?

OS: Pretty far. We have a marketer in the United States. Chrono Entertainment Europe is doing the marketing here in Europe while Chrono Entertainment Cameroon is covering Africa.

TB: Now, you just did Wrong Turn in Europe Reloaded, what is it all about?

OS: Wrong Turn in Europe Reloaded is just a new version of the film including the part of it that was shot in Cameroon, featuring prominent actors there. The whole film was re-edited and re-loaded with new effects making it to stand the taste of time.

TB: Who are the people you worked with in Cameroon for W T Reloaded?

OS: Chrono Entertainment started in Cameroon and being the managing director of the company, I worked with Chrono Entertainment Cameroon. It was a pleasure working with one of the country’s best film producers Agbor Stephen Ebai , we call him Big Steve. I also worked with Ayuk Richard Manga alias Rich Manga, one of the best editors. Then it was big time starring one of the the industry’s most desired elderly actors, Quinta Eyong Ashu popularly known as Mama Queen and Eyo Eyo Michael.

TB: Do you intend to do a premiere for the movie?

OS: No.

TB: Any new project at hand?

OS: In filmmaking there is no haste. I have to take time and produce something the public will enjoy. I’m still taking my time to plan the next production. We don’t hurry Titus, you know …(laughs).

TB: How would you assess the work Cameroonian filmmakers are doing in Europe?

OS: It is growing and I look forward to a day we can all come together and create a producers’ /director’s organization, so that from time to time we can discuss issues concerning filmmaking . This I believe will make us stand the test of time.

TB: You keep talking about standing the test of time, what does that really mean?

OS: Hahahahah, ok test of time! Well, first, it is our slogan at Chrono Entertainment. Secondly, we move with changing times as per technological evolution and all what it takes to do good productions. To stand that test of time, we of Chrono Entertainment take time to research and can only package our stuff based on what we find out our audience would enjoy with little complains.

TB: We will be back with you as things unfold. Thanks for the brief chat.

OS: Thanks a millie to you and TTS! It was a nice one.

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