You are one of the organizers of the Douala Series Festival. Can you tell us about the major milestones in your personal journey?
Born in Dschang, in the Bamiléké region, I am a film director, producer, and distributor. At the age of 23, my father gave me a Super 8 camera, a gift that would become the starting point of my film career. With this tool, I made a feature film and a short film, traveling as far as Lagos, in neighboring Nigeria, to obtain the necessary reversal film.
In 1990, I moved to France, where I founded PATOU FILMS INTERNATIONAL in 1992, and later, in 2011, CAMEROON STUDIO in Cameroon. Through these companies, I undertook the production and direction of two memorable short films: "PÈRE INCONNU" in 1993 and "MALIK" in 1995. In addition, I embarked on the production and distribution of dozens of African films, thus contributing significantly to the growth of the continent's film industry.
My interest in the world of music quickly led me to explore the field of music videos. As a music enthusiast, I directed more than twenty music videos, including twelve for Congolese artist Werrason, from the album "ÇA SONNE." In 2008, I directed the captivating documentary "ANNIE FLORE BATCTHIELLILYS, SUR LA ROUTE DES ANGES," followed by two other notable documentaries: "GUITO B, N’ABANDONNE PAS" in 2009 and "BAL DE LA BASTILLE" in 2010.
My commitment to film does not stop there. In 2013, I created the innovative concept of LA NUIT DE LA SÉRIE AFRICAINE (African Series Night) at FESPACO, and in 2023, I launched DOUALA SÉRIE, the Pan-African Series Festival in Douala. My recent works include the series "AISSA," the short film "PRIVATE INVESTIGATION" in 2017, and "ELVIS KEMAYO, L’IDÔLE YÉYÉ" in 2022. I believe I will remain an iconic figure in the African film industry, continuing to make my mark through my varied creations and my invaluable contribution to the fields of cinema and music.
We are now in the aftermath of the first edition of the festival. What were the ambitions for this first edition?
The Douala Pan-African Series Festival, which took place from November 15 to 18, 2023, consolidated its status as a major pan-African event. Professionals from all walks of life and all generations came together to celebrate innovation and creativity with enthusiasm, and I thank them as Festival Director.
In terms of our ambitions, we wanted to organize this event to reflect Africa's audiovisual industry, and we succeeded. However, to be honest, we were pleasantly surprised by its success, as expectations were so high. It is also important to note that eight out of ten countries were competing, which demonstrates Africa's dynamism in audiovisual production. Beyond that, I would like to express my gratitude to the audience who turned out for the event.
Why did you choose to highlight African series? Why focus on series rather than films?
For films, there is already FESPACO in Ouagadougou and ÉCRANS NOIRS in Yaoundé. But since we wanted a theme similar to "La nuit de la série africaine" (African Series Night), which I had created in the past, it was obvious to us that this festival should be dedicated solely to series; a genre that is now the pride of the African continent, both for the loyalty of its viewers and for the star status of its actresses and actors. It should also be noted that series, particularly those that escape Western funding, are more in tune with the African context. And that's a good thing.
What conclusions can you draw?
According to feedback from guests, partners, trainers, jury members, television series professionals, and the public, the first edition of Douala Série was a success, positioning us at the forefront of all types of festivals in Africa.
What were the highlights?
The two opening and closing nights with red carpet events reminiscent of the Cannes Film Festival, training workshops on acting and production supported by Canal+University, a workshop on TV series criticism supported by Vivendi Create Joy, and an international symposium on streaming supported by UNESCO. Screening of the Douala series Kids with Canal+Impact.
Will there be a second edition?
The second edition of the Douala Pan-African Series Festival will take place from November 20 to 23, 2024. Douala Series is an annual festival.
What is your view on the development of production in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa?
In addition to being the festival director, I am also a member of the selection committee, and I am optimistic about the development of film production in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.
We received more than 150 entries across all genres. I am convinced that the future lies in works that reflect our true culture, provided that French-language producers choose to abandon commissions that lack vision in favor of television pre-purchases and other private funding. This transition to more dynamic, market-driven sources of funding can stimulate creativity and encourage the production of quality works that meet the expectations of our audience while contributing to the growth of the African audiovisual industry.