For three days, there was much to discover in a festival where three short films were rehearsed and shot by the participants. Activities marking the Third Edition of Fako Film Festival at Alliance franco-camerounaise (AFC) Buea ended on Friday July 23, 2010. The event was graced by internationally acclaimed Cameroonian film maker, Bassek Ba Kobhio. The representative of the Regional Delegate of Culture’s, Roger Lita closed the festival.

In effect, the early hours of Friday were characterized by rehearsals of three short films and how to apply knowledge gathered during the festival. This was followed by an interactive session between Bassek Ba Kobhio and the various participants. Bassek Ba Kobhio talked on the indispensable elements of film production like training, finance, quality equipment, hard work, etc. He expressed his desire to aid upcoming film makers for a better output.

The Director of AFC, Alain Voule-Mo congratulated participants for their turn out and commitment during the three-day event. He recommended the continual relationship between AFC and Fako film makers. Roger Lita, on behalf of the Delegate, assured participants of government’s desire to promote their activities. He encouraged them to get traine and work hard so as to promote Cameroon’s cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Eric Mungwa, film producer and President of the Cameroon Film Industry, Fako, advocated the revision of policies defining quota for TV programmes on local films; provision of adequate structures for training and practice in the country. The award of prizes ensued, with “The Forsaken” by Priscott Achea, as best film, Samuel Ako’s “Crisis” as best script, Mbulav Sonila, best actor and Tracy Jeasis best actress.

Previous activities included two paper presentations on Thursday 22, July 2010 by Buea based professionals. Mungwa Eric who doubles as Fako President Cameroon Film Industry (CFI). He drilled participants on “Story and character development.” His paper focused on subject matter, plot, character, structure and form, language, narrative point of view and stylistic devices, which are indispensable in film making. He stressed that stories should reflect issues of common interest, and that these elements, if properly used, guarantee an interesting film.

Simon Gobina’s paper dealt with “Light, Sound and Shooting.” He defined film as a representation of a conceived idea or theme. The manner in which the idea is expressed, he said, greatly determines the level of transmission. He concluded that film makers should apply aesthetic through professionalism, the use of sound equipment, adequate financing and hard work.