Movies like any other profession in entertainment has its highs and lows and actors can reap rewards from it regardless of your journey. There are notably some actors who became national treasurers after playing lead roles in movies.
As dramatic as the Cameroonian movie industry is considered to be by most people at the moment, there should be enough reason to be proud of it. The fact that this industry has come a long way and is already booking spots on international streaming platforms should be a boost.
In 2021, the industry witnessed some of its highs, with two of it’s movies getting on Netflix and one ofwhich was pre-selected for consideration for a nomination at the Oscars. The same industry in 2019/2020 saw a pathway into Amazon Prime Video. It is fair to label this growing industry as a “Blessing” to most of its actors especially some ambitious youth who became national treasures after playing lead roles in some movies.
Let’s take a look at a few who are actually living the dream.
Mayorchu official:
Since playing the role of “Cindy”in “Little Cindy” in 2018, Mayorchu Ebai quickly showed to Cameroon and the world what she was made up of at just seven years old. How movie director Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo came about and eventually gave Mayorchu a lead role in a movie of that magnitude, is still an untold story. For her to have relished the pressure and performed the way she did, showed how much the kid was ready to live the moment and sell her passion fearlessly. She went on to become an inspiration to other kids and also gave movie producers a reason not to snub kids in leading roles. Nowadays, Mayorchu is many things: a musician, runway model and more. It’s clear she’s a national treasure with a lot to offer. Check out Mayorchu’s latest song:
Laura Onyama:
Movie star Laura Onyama has been on a steady rise in her career picking up several awards and earning some respect nationwide. Laura is undoubtedly one of the most awarded female actresses of her generation.
In 2017, she won CAMIFF Best Actress awards and Best Cameroonian actress at Ecrans Noirs Film Festival 2016 edition. Laura, started acting in the movie “Heavy Rain” in 2011, “Kiss of the death” in 2015 and others.
The 28-year old recently played the lead role in “Saving Mbango” where she again thrilled viewers with her acting skills. The act of cutting her hair just to play her role shows how far Laura is ready to go for movies. You can’t argue that Laura is one of the most inspirational Cameroonian youths.
Godisz Fungwa:
He is very talented and a national treasure with some very rare and scarce acting skills. Though Godisz had been acting some comedy skits like “Cite Malingo” and many others before, his high level attention came in 2019, when he teamed up with Laura Onyama to play “John” in Saving Mbango.
Cameroon could now see the creative actor that Godisz is. He’s been very active after the movie. Though he’s been featured in several movies, he’s focusing more on his web series comedy called Richard which is currently on Episode 31. Check out his latest skit featuring gospel singer Elizabeth Tekeh:
Faith Fidel:
This is a teenage wonder sensation according to many. For all the attention she’s getting, it should be noted that it’s very much deserved. Faith Fidel has been one of the revelations in the movie industry. The multi-talented kid who isn’t missing from any highlights and updates in the movie industry has been able to play two lead key roles in “Where I Come From” and “The Fisherman’s Diary”.
In these respective movies, Faith has shown Cameroonian film directors the need to bring kids to the dining table. Faith is the most talked about actress right now after her role in The Fishermans Diary which is currently streaming on #Netflix and which has won 66 awards worldwide. The movie was equally pre-selected for consideration for an #OSCARS nomination though not shortlisted but that was a big win for the industry in 2021! Subscribe to Faith’s YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCu3Efy1I-Kg7G1j43IQFO3A
It should be noted that all the above actors were also part of the The FisherMan’s Diary, though Faith Fidel stood out in in her leading role.Saving Mbango produced by Stephanie Tum Official can be found on Amazon Prime Video while The Fisherman’s Diary by Kang Quintus can be found on Netflix.As a matter of fact, these characters became national treasures after playing lead Roles, thanks to the project owners who saw their potential and trusted them with those roles.
