Cameroonian Movie Industry:Switching Hearts To Be Released Soon

By Walter Wilson Nana

Switching Hearts, a Star Track and Magic Touch Movies Production film, has been announced. The Director of Switching Hearts, Thomas Belton Achu, said recently that “we want the movie to be marketed internationally. We are creating links with distributors in the US, UK and South Africa. We also hope to extend distribution in Ivory and some parts of Francophone Africa. In Cameroon, we have also put in place a sophisticated network of distribution. So, after official release, we will not face any problems as far as marketing is concerned,” Achu said.

Unravelling the storyline of Switching Hearts, Achu said; “It is a love story. In the movie, there are some intricacies, which have been unravelled. There is “breaking of hearts, unfaithfulness and disillusionment. Basically, it is a story based on unfaithfulness.”

Achu says the issue of people switching hearts is a cause of pre-occupation in today’s society. “It does happen. The movie portrays what happens in our society. When people will watch the movie, they will certainly identify with it and try to correct some of society’s wrongs,” he said.

Director of two other movies; Tomorrow’s Billionaires and Heaven Forbids, Achu attempted an answer to the question if there was a link across his three movies.“Tomorrow’s Billionaires recounts the hardship people face in our society. People do mischievous things to make money for themselves.

In Heaven Forbids, you find a friend luring another to the city, as a result of financial and economic hardship. While Switching Hearts is entirely a romance story.Unlike his first two movies, Switching Hearts is subtitled in French. Achu said, “If we did not subtitle the first two, it was due to financial constraints. Now, we have done it because of an improved financial standing.

And we have also taken into consideration the bilingual nature of our country and our would-be expansion into some French-speaking countries across the world.”Achu says his storyline is stitched from what he sees happening in the society and his everyday interactions with people.

Assessing public reactions, beginning from his first movie, Achu said it has been evolving positively.
“Cameroonians have begun catching the movie vision. It is progressing,” he says. “There is Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood. Why not Camwood some day. It is on the way coming.”

Explaining the partnership between his first production house, Star Track and the second, Magic Touch, Achu said; “Movie making is quite expensive. If you want to set standards, you must be able to bring in partners, who will be able to buy the vision, so that, together, you will be able to do something better.

Magic Touch came in because they saw the bright prospects of the Cameroonian movie industry. And they have the capital. The movie was quite expensive and Star Track Movies could not handle the finances alone. So, we got into partnership with them.”

The Executive Producer of Switching Hearts, Francis Nche, CEO, Magic Touch Movies, said this about his role; “The Executive Producer is the person who injects all the money that facilitates the work of the Director and his /her performers and all other crew members involved in the project.”

To Nche, his motivation for Switching Hearts was; “I saw a determined Director in Thomas Belton Achu. He is Cameroonian in his approach. So, it gives room for a critical appreciation. I found in him a good Director. And to anything Cameroonian, I will encourage that kind of venture. I also call on other Cameroonian business operators to join the bandwagon.”

Winner of 2003 Best Movie, in Heaven Forbids and 2003 Best Movie Director, all awarded by the Provincial Delegation of Culture, Northwest, Achu has a message for Cameroonians;
“My dream is gradually coming to fruition. Special thanks to the management of Magic Touch and the

Cameroonian public for catching the movie vision.”

Comments

[Mamie too dear]

hello, u all.
I am a Cameroonian living in Germany. And I would love to watch Cameroonian movies. The problem we have here is that these movies are not made available to us. If there was some way, these movies could be better advertised and made available here, it would be great. There are so many of us here who are willing to buy Cameroonian movies made in Cameroon, but we don't have access to these movies. Can something be done about this situation?
Also, I think it would be a good idea for these Production companies to create a web site. It is the fastest way nowadays to spread information. I don't know if they have already done that, but in case they need someone to do it for them, they can contact me, through this email address. They can get professional websites at very low cost. I think it would be a wise investment.
When I type in search engines on the internet for African movies, the whole page is filled with Nigerian movies. We are Cameroonians and we want to see Cameroonian movies, depicting our culture.
I am so happy therefore to see that this initiative has been taken by these young dynamic people and I will do my best in spreading the word

[Rachel]

Whatzup you'll?
Glad to see that my country is finally pulling off in the movie industry. I have been waiting for this moment for a very very long time.
Becoming an actress/movie writer, is my dream job, but this dream is being delayed with my stay in the U.S. This is due to the sterotypes being attached to Africans. But I however hoped and prayed for God to do something about it. I can see my prayer is being answered.
Considering the fact Nigeria has been the only flourishing African country in the movie business,internationally, that kind of made me envy them. But now I can look back and see one reason why I should be proud of my country , or even return home-- to help in this business.
One suggestion about the name "Camwood", I believe that is a traditional product. Why don't we just call it "Collywood"? To me and a couple of my budies, that sounds better. But anyway, it's just a (good) suggestion.
To cut the long story short, I believe we shall succeed extremely well in this business, not only because Nigeria would face stiff competition from us, and a decline in the demand of its movies, but also because we (foreigners-Cameroonians or not) are getting tired and bored of the same old stories being extra dramatised. It is also a dream I saw coming.
All I can say is more power to your elbows. Don't give up. It is financially demanding but nowadays, it takes money to buy money. the feww tips I can offer is to create a convincingand good story with a plot, good pictures and direction, and most of all, avoid over dramatisation of a situation. Adding this to what you have, I know you are on your way to succes and international fame.
KEEP PRAYING, AND MAY GOD BLESS AND DIRECT YOU.
LOVE,
RACHEL.

[mbacham]

'sup guys,
well i'm a payesans in south africa and i am very glad to hear that 'camwood' is coming up strongly.i c with the previous post of changing the name of camwood to collywood.infact nigeria "nollywood",india "bollywood", etas "hollywood" and i think cameroon should flow with the others.
i am very happy and will be glad to help distribute your Cd's here in south africa.I am a producer (music)and cofounder of o-limit records here in south africa and we've just released an album under the company "ali get's his arms" by Wax a cameroomian artist. we'll be in cameroon in august for the promotion of the album and we'll be glad to wook hand in gloves with magic touch movies but first i must contact the rest of the team.
I am so proud of the show biz going on in cameroon infact i heard u are skyrocketting.and i believe we can try to meet up with the fastet and second largest movie industry in the world.
SO KEEP IT UP GUYS AND KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE SKY ESPECIALLY IF YOU FALL COZ "IF U LOOK UP YOU CAN GET UP!"

[Henry]

I really appreciate the efforts and I am awaiting the film's release with all the anxiety it deserves. It is really hightime we stop hiding behind other people's events and face our own realities. From what I gather from the introduction of SWITCHING HEARTS, I believe many cameroonians will do an introspection after watching the film. Courage and cheers to you all! Do not stumble.

[Maxwell Tum]

For updates on this movie, check the following website:
www.magictouchvideos.com

[Kenny Jacks]

One word: CONTINUE
Un seul mot: CONTINUER

[Mustafa Danpullo]

hello, u all.
I am a Cameroonian living in Brunei darussalam South East Asia. And I would love to watch Cameroonian movies. The problem we have here is that these movies are not made available to us. If there was some way, these movies could be better advertised and made available here, it would be great. Although i am alone here but there are many cameroonian in malaysia ,Indonesia ,Thailand and singapore who are willing to buy Cameroonian movies made in Cameroon, but we don't have access to these movies. Can something be done about this situation?
Also, I think it would be a good idea for these Production companies to create a terninal of their network to reach South East asia here. It is the fastest way nowadays to spread information. I don't know if they have already done that, but in case they need someone to do it for them, they can get email address is danpullo@gmail.com please contact me so that i can get this movie soon ok. When I type in search engines on the internet for African movies, the whole page is filled with Nigerian movies. We are Cameroonians and we want to see Cameroonian movies, depicting our culture.
I am so happy therefore to see that this initiative has been taken by these young dynamic people and I will do my best in spreading the word

[mustafa danpullo]

hello, u all.
I am a Cameroonian living in Brunei darussalam South East Asia. And I would love to watch Cameroonian movies. The problem we have here is that these movies are not made available to us. If there was some way, these movies could be better advertised and made available here, it would be great. Although i am alone here but there are many cameroonian in malaysia ,Indonesia ,Thailand and singapore who are willing to buy Cameroonian movies made in Cameroon, but we don't have access to these movies. Can something be done about this situation?
Also, I think it would be a good idea for these Production companies to create a terninal of their network to reach South East asia here. It is the fastest way nowadays to spread information. I don't know if they have already done that, but in case they need someone to do it for them, they can get email address is danpullo@gmail.com please contact me so that i can get this movie soon ok. When I type in search engines on the internet for African movies, the whole page is filled with Nigerian movies. We are Cameroonians and we want to see Cameroonian movies, depicting our culture.
I am so happy therefore to see that this initiative has been taken by these young dynamic people and I will do my best in spreading the word

[bachengo]

Good thinking. Brilliant work. Thumbs up to Francis and team. Guys keep up with your good work.

Marketing approach is good.

Need professional marketeer on a part time basis. Goodluck with this venture.

[cyndy]

hello i am cyndy and i am somewhere in asia.i would love if movie trailers (u know 5 mins of a film on the net) are installed so as to give those of us far far away some gist.its also good for marketing
thanks

[FRANCISCO JOEL MENDOZA]

I wish that one day camerron film people invite me to direct one of their movies keep up the good work wish you well We are from MEXICO and we will produce with a cameroon company next month a movie called THE CROWN and we are happy for it am the Director of CENTRO MEXICANO DE CINE INDEPENDIENTE (Mexican Center of Indi Films) here is our email we have a complete form of working to make your film from A to Z if you ever filmed in mexico and has not been tru us you have paid too much. hope some producers take us to camerron we will be more then happy to show you to produce with lowbudget look international style. we are not mexiwood but we love independent film makers your welcome to mexico and expect the same if we go there. cemexcine@yahoo.com.mx GOD BLESS THE INDI FILM WORLD WIDE

[Prince Fortuchang]

I am a Cameroon In the United States and I am sick and tired of my Nigerian friends talking about new movies everyday.It is a time for Cameroonians to stop wasting their money on thesame stories and bring their culture out. I am glad to be of someone has thesame mind as I do.
Keep it up and I will work round the clock to make it the best.

[macaulty Akim]

what' up people,
i am so blessed we are on our road to hollywood, i have been there, seen it all, but we have to maintain our tradition and i think that is the best, how ever camwood is already in existence and we will be very happy to know our partners, we have done 2 movies and you can browse our still on contruction web site to see our thriller
camwoodfilm.com. who so ever need to know well call 0012024150844, email mcakim_99@yahoo.com

[Paul Macaulay]

Hello i am a cameroonian actor and filmmaker based in cameroon , i am very happy to see our movie industry gradually taking it step and i hope that one day we will be the leading nation in Africa as far as movie production is concern .However i would like to encourage our brothers and sisters out there in Europe Asia, USA etc to supports us with the neccesary finance so as to make this great dream a reality , that is to build our cameroonian movie industry which we can call it DOLLYWOOD. Any person interested in the Cameroonian film industry in any sector that is acting directing, producing ,costumes ,makeup etc can contact me via paulmacaulay2000@yahoo.com

[br sammy]

Great thinking people,we are so bless to have idealistic youths growing as film makers, but we lack one thing, direction, every body want to be a boss, i appreciate all of your efforts but it could easily go invain if every body want to make movie, it will be good for some thing small company to merge and put their resources together and shoot great movies, it is strange that alot of film maker are looking for sponsors, who will sponsor who?you guys need to stick together and work hard, rome was not built in a single day and it was not buildt by a single hand.
please i thinkthat camwood is doing ok and i have watch their thriller and teaser it looks awesome. go ahead guys. that is my little contribution.
go to www.camwoodfilm.com.
i go with camwood because we must not copy as others cam signifies cameroon regardless.
God bless .

[dakoree. nah]

hi friend, i am impressed with your work, i love it, magic touch go ahead we are behind you, CAmwood you guys are supper, i watched your thriller and teaser, i which i was in the state, i will join you guys, i love acting too. i think that CAmwood is a nice name to give to Cameroon mmovies industries. i am sorry, no offense the name, Dollywood, is so funny, and i don't think collywood is the best, Camwood represents CAmeroon our mother land and i think pariotism is fine with me. camwood, the website is some cute. the lion reminds me of every thing, football and love for my country.may God continue to bless our film makers

[akim]

We thank you guys so much for your comments.we never know that peoplecan reach us through this site. we are doing our best to take African movies to the next level, we are so proud of magic touch in Cameroon, the ramblers in germany and berlin icon, and london. we are looking forward to work with all these films company. As some body rightly said, we need our resouces together as to be big.it is a thumb up to all who are putting pieces together to transform African dream to a real film making world.
please thanks for visiting our website. that is not the best but we promise more surprise will come your way. our even for 2007 has already be scheduled.working with elvis kemayo to put thing together for the up coming Cameroon Entertaiment Award CEA.
This event will mark the begining of Cameroon Award ever.Film maker should do their best to produce quality film as to show case their products.Actors and actress,musicians and all in the entertainment business Show biz should be hightly competitive this time.this is just a high light for the even. detail will reach you throught The TV stations in Cameroon and through the web around the world. We thank you again for being there for us.GO TO WWW.CAMWOODFILM.COM fill our guest book for comments.

[Tammy]

Hi,
I'm so impressed with what you guys are doing. I would never have thought that there was a film industry in Cameroon. I think we should be so proud of the little we can do and i know that the future is bright with cameroon movies. I'm also interested in cating and will like to join your movie company. I live abroad but would be very happy to trsvel home to shot a movie. I can send a CV if you want. I stated acting way back in the late 80's.

[CY Wanki]

Hi All,
I'm a cameroon base producer/filmmaker, infact my production house, SPLASH NETWORKS did the first international cameroonian movie with Nigerians, PEACE OFFERING.
Let's forget all the talks that the industry is lucrative and bumming, instead we should try to come up with a structure, an umbrella that can cover this immaginary industry.For as of the moment there's no guide to our so call industry, theres not even a name to it, so let's start from down instead of showerng ourselves praises for nothing.Thanks

[Etiendem R. Etiendem]

Hi it's Etiendem R. Etiendem a film director/producer base in Dschang,I wish to ask what can we do to get all filmmakers in cameroon come together and work under the same umbrella as COLLYWOOD, I have just produce a movie called ENKEH QUIBEKU, contact 237 74099575, hardhitmovies@yahoo.com, hardhitmovies.blogspot.com

[Nike Shox Shoes]

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[clariss]

only after educating people with attitude problems. we hav many in the industry. though they been to school, they do, say and reason out things in a way you will not believe they have ever since the 4walls of a primary school

[clariss]

they think they are Demi-Gods. but there are some people to tell the bitter truth about their behaviors

[kwende cedrick]

hi everyone,i am kwende cedrick an actor of age20 and i really love what we camerronians are doing.great job.i will wish to act in many movies as possible here in cameroon.just that i dont know many film industries here so i can sign into.can anyone help me.....................

[Nelson KIMBI]

Hi Cameroon,
Why don't we do like the whites rather than immitating fellow africans with a monopoly in the african film market. I jist think that something action, horror and fiction which is my field will atract more fans to oue industry. let us not specialise in one kind of stories, action is not as difficult as you think, it's just a matter of wit and research. meetnelsonkimbi@yahoo.com, nelson.kimbi@yahoo.com

[puh issa]

Hi GUYS,
I am proud to see that you my Camerronian guys are making it in a grand style.I am a Kamer as well and a film maker as well as a writer and a music artist.Ido recite in Cameroon and could at your disposal if need arisses.You guys can get me trough my e-mail puhdon@yahoo.com.Once again I say congratulations and keep on

[Margerita kunnah]

i believe we will make it if we try harder.Acting is not magic,it is just to have zeal to do it and oops there we go.let's just examine and take the write people.I for one love acting very much,i believe we can make it.

[ache adeline mbachan]

hi am adeline from douala and am intrested to be part of that film industry pls i will be happy to hear from u stay bless