Premire Review:
On the 1st of November 2014, Far the movie was premiered for the 2nd time at BOJ, Bonanjo Douala. This was a glamerous event pulling people from different proffessional background.
It was an event full of inspiring fashion choices, outrageous outfits, and memorable moments on the red carpet. Details proved to be key with Cameroon celebs embracing trends like peplums, cut-out accents, capes, sheer paneling, ruffles, and other distinct forms of embellishment.
Punk was given the unique opportunity to go hand-in-hand with glamour as demostrated by Brenda Shey the most powerful woman in the Cameroon film industry, while peplums and sheer accents still managed to find traction.
Movie review:
The dramatic movie “FAR” is a co-production between Cameroon and Nigeria. Directed by Nigerian Ikechuwu Oyaka and produced by Cameroonian Agbor Gilbert Ebot. Far the movie is base on a poignant true story of how far a couple is willing to go in their desperacy to start a family.
It features a starring ensemble cast from Africa and USA: which includes Multiple awards winning Dakore Akonde and Jim Iyke from Nigeria; the USAfrica International Heritage Actress and NAFCA awards year 2012 Merlisa Determined; Cameroonian Quinta Eyong Ashu, Sende Bende, Solange Ojong, Epule Jeffrey Jeff, Memba Lucie and Ian van Ivan.
Without giving too much away, there is a lot I liked in the movie FAR. It is the most perfect iced with the cast working well together in a believable way. There are many cries with quite a few melodramatic twists. It becomes believable at times, with the slow plot revealing itself as though it was an investigative story:- making the movie interesting. In my opinion, this movie could easily have been like a"CSI" investigation.
I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed FAR the movie. The expectations of Merlisa Determined was well delivered and I strongly believe such performance was well leveraged with other strong contenders: Dakore and Epule Jeffery.
With this, it is no doubt all involved in this film making thrived on directing such a big cast in a high wire, and deceitful family story. The marination between Merlisa Determined and Epule jeffery were a hoot. This movie is a smooth big screen transition for all Cameroonian actors cast who may have struggled with other movies in the past. However I strongly felt Jim Ike wasn't fully utilised as he should have; myself and others who attended the premiere shared the same feelings. To my shock, my favourite performance (it caught me off guard) was Epule Jefferey from Cameroon. He was the husband handling various issues and at the centre of a contagious deceit. People who deal with the drama of conspiracy from families will surely appreciate this movie.
Reaction from the crowd at the premiere:
At the premiere, there were half a dozen applause moments from audience as the crowd really got into it. The laughter was consistent and not forced. This movie is perfect and I’m only giving this a marginal recommendation based on how much I liked it. FAR is a movie that will draw a continuous division between audience and critics; as it is a story dealing with sensitive issues…just like the dysfunctional family gathering together and having to decieve all so as to put up with each other.
According to the director Agbor Gilert, Far the movie will be launched in Beau soon, South West region of Cameroon.So watch out for another mind blowing red carpet momment.
For the past two months Cameroon has experinced series of movie premieres between the political capital Yaounde and economical capital Douala. This has indeed created awareness of the Cameroon film industry nationally and beyond.
I will like to say thank you to the Agbor Gilbert, Brenda Shey and others for working so hard in making sure our film industry transcend international recognition.