On November 28th, I
arrived at Fini Hotel Limbe at about 8.00 PM to attend the grandiose movie premiere of
the much hyped film, “Rose On A Grave” produced by Syndy Emade of Blue Rain
Entertainment. It was a star studded pool side event aerated by the fresh sea breeze
of the Atlantic, splashing gruffly against the beaches lining the exquisite
hotel. The movie's main cast, actress/movie producer, Syndy Emade, Libota MacDonald, Desmond Whyte, Solange Yijika, Epule Jeffrey, Alene Menget, Solange Ojong all arrived, making their way to the
blue carpet for some stylish photography moments and a couple of television
interviews. The occasion took off on a high note as the MCs, Mr. Steve and my kid
sister, Victoire impressed with some amazing introductory oratory, followed by
highly animated musical performances by Cameroonian music stars like Ambe,
Solatiel, Le Featurist, Miss K, Andy and Mr. Leo who wowed the attendees with their melodious tunes. Fashion designers also
flaunted their freshest costumes through a dozen or so models who paraded the
blue carpet in impressive catwalks.
The projectionist then got down
to the thick of things with the portrayal of the movie. It has got a couple of
interesting plot lines, twists and turns with subtitles in French for the English scenes and vice
versa. It begins with a murder scene and two men who try to track the trail of the criminal by reporting the incident to the best crime detective in the area, Detective Anne, played by Bikutsi music star, Lady Ponce who makes a cameo appearance in the film. She is
adamant to investigate the crime and the men decide to execute the task themselves,
therefore raising many questions why Anne was so resolute on not getting
involved. On another narrative note, Betty (played by Syndy Emade)
dates a fashionable guy who she loves but initially has the impression that he
doesn’t love her because he never says so and apparently doesn’t seem to pay
her enough attention. Each time they quarrel, he makes up by giving her a red
rose. And she keeps getting those roses, roses, roses and many more roses. She
grows more disappointed in the relationship though.
Another couple seem to be having
the happiest marriage ever but after five years, the nuptial harmony starts
collapsing rapidly as there are accusations by the husband that the wife had
infected him with HIV/AIDS. (So who had infected who?) Betty also decides to
end the relationship with her “rose generous” boyfriend after frequent indifferences.
He attempts to make up with a white rose this time but she rejects and reproaches him. A series
of actions on the scene lead to him being knocked down by a car and he dies. A
grief-stricken Betty discovers a written message stuck in the petals of one of
the roses and then more poetic messages and many more cryptic messages from
the other roses. (Girl! Jeez, how did you miss that the whole time!) She finally
discovers how her deceased lover boy actually felt about her (but it was too
late!). The Betty solemn scenes felt like some heartfelt, tragic but poetic Shakespearean
romance. Then comes…Oops, the projectionist! Halting the movie for its fund
raising initiative by attendees, leaving us reeling with guesses how the whole grand plot
will end. The movie is a remarkable leap forward for the Cameroonian movie industry and
only the second film by the BRE crew. It is a sign of better things to come for
this young but very talented film production and entertainment company.
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| Syndy and Le Featurist |
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