It has been observed that the lack of financial support from both Government and private individuals is the major hindrance to the growth and development of the Cameroon Film Industry.
The observation was made recently in Buea during a press briefing granted by some Cameroonian and Nigeria’s Nollywood actors. The movie stars, who were on the invitation of a Cameroonian producer, Lady Belle of the Belle Entertainment, exhorted stakeholders in the Cameroon Film Industry to be daring and stand up for what they believe can put food on their tables.
Segun Arinze, Keppy Ekpenyong, KaluIkeagwu and Anurin Nwaunembom agreed that there are human resources and competence in the field of entertainment in Cameroon, but they need moral and financial support to emerge.
According to Belle, she decided to invite Nigerian actors to come and train prospective Cameroonian actors and actresses because; she has seen potentials in Cameroonians.
“I think this initiative will work, because, Cameroon has diversity which it can capitalise on. We have what other African countries don’t have,” she remarked. Belle equally observed that Cameroon has what it takes to rule the entertainment waves in Africa and even the world. “We have diversity, bilingualism and talents which make the difference clear, even though we have a long way to go,” Belle admitted.
Anurin Nwaunembom, a Cameroonian actor, remarked that he has noticed that so many areas in the Cameroon film industry are still lacking.
“Cameroonians do not yet value films, or what films can give them. It is just in the last two or three years that the Government started paying some attention to this industry. Several other departments like film criticism and scriptwriting, amongst others, are still absent,” he said.
“The Cameroon Film Industry is more interesting because of the Anglo-Franco culture of the people. Basic endeavours should be geared towards blending the two cultures,” Nollywood star, Segun Arinze, recommended.
He cited the case in Nigeria where the industry is now seen as a veritable tool by the Government because of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of the country.
“This is what I want to see happen in Cameroon. Come out in one voice and work towards this. This will begin to help Government shape its policies,” Arinze advised filmmakers in Cameroon.
According to Keppy Ekpenyong, another Nollywood actor, the industry needs more than just sponsorship to grow. “First, the market must be there and the audience too must be willing to watch.”
Even though ego is another thing hindering the movie industry’s growth in Cameroon, Lady Belle said she is open and willing to work with all stakeholders who have positive contributions that can take the industry a step further.
The Nigerian team, which will be back in Cameroon sometime in November this year, said their expectations are to see that, by this time next year, there are at least six Cameroonian movie stars on set.
