The Cameroon Movie Achievement Awards (CAMAA) will make its debut in June with a grand ceremony at the Palais De Congres, Yaounde but the good news is, the award show has clinched the support from big brands like telecommunications giant MTN Cameroon and Brasserie du Cameroun.
Richard Gelam Dickson, chairman on the board of directors for CAMAA says getting big brands to partner with the event has nothing to do with the financial benefits but they have to work hand in hand to help promote film culture in Cameroon.
“I don’t need money because I am a businessman running my businesses which are capable of sponsoring this event but getting MTN and Brasseries on board is to assure film makers that its time for their movies to leave their cupboards, studios or wherever they’ve been hiding to the general public,” Dickson tells us exclusively.
“These companies have to support Cameroon film by taking over the film industry and sponsoring film production, promotion and distribution. This will go a long way to encourage those who are already making film to make better films and also inspire young film makers to follow their dreams,” he adds.
Richard Dickson had also called for the reopening of cinemas in the country to help with the promotion of local films withing the nation. During the Cameroon International Film Festival back in April, The Godfather of Cameroon entertainment, as he’s fondly referred to, stressed on the fact that without cinemas, films go nowhere and its difficult for Cameroonians to appreciate and recognize actors, actresses, directors, producers or their celebrities in general because they don’t get to see them in action.
“Buea, for example, has so much talent. In fact, it is an arena for great talent and success. Why don’t these multinationals come in to support these talents and provide them an avenue to become great men and women in their crafts?” he said.
In the presence of the Minister of Arts and Culture Jean Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Governor of the South West Region and District Officer for Buea, Dickson cited the lack of funds for film and music production saying without government support, film makers are rendered helpless to promote and distribute film within and out of the country.
CAMAA to out to recognize, appreciate and encourage film makers and companies to work together for the betterment of the Cameroon film culture.
