Nigerian Actors Spice Splash Cameroonian
The second edition of Splash Banquet Nite that held recently at the Lady L Restaurant in Molyko, was spiced by the presence of more than twelve Nigerian actors. They included among others Zach Orji, Jacobs Olu, Fred Amata and Emmanuel Ayalogo.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian actors, Orji said he appreciated the hospitality accorded them by Cameroonians, especially the Splash members and the Manyu Women Association, MOHWA.
The popular film actor called on Cameroonian business magnates to invest in the film industry for "it is one of the easiest ways of reducing unemployment."
There was deafening applause when Orji announced that he once lived in Cameroon where he did his primary education in Buea and secondary education in Douala. "So, coming to Cameroon (Buea) is like coming back home" he said.
To prove that he lived in both parts of Cameroon, he spoke some French which left the audience spellbound. When he pointed out that one of the actors, Emmanuel Ayalogo, who is currently directing a MOHWA sponsored film in Cameroon under the executive production of Splash Networks, has a Masters degree in French, cheers went up.
"So", the President of the Nigerian Actors Guild continued, "Cameroon and Nigerian are one…and the bond between these countries existed before the colonial era."
He prayed for peace, love and unity to reign in these two countries. Orji also mentioned that they have done films in many African countries like Senegal, Ghana, Togo and would want to watch films acted and produced by Cameroonians because, as he put it, "Cameroonians have greater potential to grow in this sector."
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Nite, Buea-based lawyer, Barrister Gordon Ngu, pledged his continuous support for Splash and donated FCFA 100,000.
He urged others to do their best to support this organisation because, "they are a group of young talented, dynamic and innovative ladies and gentlemen."
On his part, the Director of Splash Network, Cyril Akonteh, thanked the Nigerian actors who went out of their way to attend the Nite.
He equally thanked the guests for their continuous concern and support.
He reminded the audience that the essence of the Nite was not only to raise funds for the shooting of an impending film, but also, "to get the movers and shakers of the society to exchange ideas on varying professional issues."
One of the prominent guests, Barrister Stephen Njilla, said he was very impressed and moved by the efforts of Splash Networks.
"To get a cream of Nigerian actors present at an occasion like this is worth praising", he added. Asked what advice he has for the film production house, the young lawyer said Splash Networks should shun shooting love films.
"Rather they should embark on shooting films that expose other ills in the society like bribery and corruption and human rights abuse…" he said.
To him, when such films are projected, the poor, the weak and the oppressed can be elevated and this would have provided a solution to the socio-economic, political, and cultural problems plaguing Cameroon.
He regretted the fact that there is outrageous plagiarism and piracy in the film industry, and pledged to offer his services for free to Splash Networks should they face such problems.
The lawyer requested for any Splash official to stop at his office and pick a cheque of on undisclosed amount.
It should be recalled that two popular Cameroonian musicians were present at the occasion with Jean Pierre Essome who emceed it and Bebey Manga who came in at about 3:00 am to give the event the final ambiance.