CAMIFF: GIVING CAMEROON CINEMA A PLACE IN THE WORLD

“CAMIFF” actually stands for Cameroon International Film Festival. It was established with the aim of helping create a lively film culture throughout the country. Every year the event was committed to curating exceptional programs to engage and educate the local community, inspire filmmakers and nurture the growth of the Cameroon and African film industry. With its commitment to presenting works of Cameroonian filmmakers in competition alongside those by major talent of the world cinema. “CAMIFF” has offered Cameroon different and enthusiastic audiences, a means of engaging with their own and others culture through the art of cinema.

“CAMIFF” has been held annually since 2016, they bring together Cameroonian and African film-makers, organized in panels, over six days, around cinematic themes and major awards evenings to seven people chosen from twelve pre-selected. The awards are presented in seven film categories: best feature film, best short film, best documentary; best actor; best actress; best director; best screenplay by an international jury. The festival is sponsored by Ramsey Noah and Solange Yijika3.

The second ceremony (in 2017) was attended by Minister of Arts and Culture Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Ramsey Noah and Ruth Nkweti. The third edition was held from April 23^rd to 28^th, 2018. The fourth edition was postponed severally. Firstly, in 2019, the edition scheduled for April 22 to 27 in Buea was cancelled due to the escalation of the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. Then in 2020, a further postponement took place for April 20^th – 25^th 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Cameroon. During this festival, several international and national legends participated like Ramsey Noah, Enyinna Nwige (Nollywood) and some Cameroonian movie stars like Epule Jeffrey, George Ewane just to name a few. Bloggers, actors, scriptwriters, media personalities, cinematographers and many other genres of media people attended this 4^th edition. The next edition was scheduled for April 2022 which also turned out to be a huge success. The 6^th edition this 2023 took place in the month of April.

The selection criteria of CAMIFF are based on the following: Films that promote African culture, Films that address issues affecting world, Films about history, Films about historic landmarks, Films made by Independent African filmmakers. Additional submission requirements; Feature-length submissions must not have been broadcast or televised, or be publicly available in their entirety online prior to their date of exhibition in the festival. Foreign language (non-English) submissions must be available in their original language and soundtrack with English subtitles. The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) reserves the right to determine eligibility of any work submitted. It is highly advised that one tests their DVD submission in a standard DVD player prior to submitting. Any unenviable DVD may be disqualified. The festival may attempt, but is not obligated, to contact the applicant for a new copy.

This festival has revolutionised the Cameroonian cinema and given a name to the country out there. It has opened lots of opportunities for several actors and actresses and with the future projects the festival has to achieve, Cameroon cinema will soon be amongst the top in the world.

Delia Nyadi