WANDERLIST: Cameroon in books and on film

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  • “Queen of Katwe” (2016) – Although the majority of the movie is set in Uganda, there are some scenes that take place in Cameroon. It tells the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a chess prodigy from the slums of Kampala.
  • “Les Saignantes” (2005) – Directed by Jean-Pierre Bekolo, this science fiction film is set in a futuristic version of Cameroon. It follows the story of two young women who possess supernatural powers and use them for their own personal gain.
  • “Kini and Adams” (1997) – This Nigerian film, directed by Izu Ojukwu, takes place in Cameroon’s Bakassi Peninsula during the Bakassi conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon. It explores the lives of two brothers caught in the middle of the conflict.
  • “Africa Paradis” (2006) – This French film, directed by Sylvestre Amoussou, is set in a dystopian future where Africa has become a paradise for Western expatriates. It critiques neocolonialism and explores themes of power dynamics.
  • “Clando” (1996) – A drama film directed by Jean-Marie Téno, “Clando” depicts the struggles of a taxi driver in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city. It delves into socio-political issues and examines the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
  • These are just a few examples of movies that feature Cameroon in their storyline. While not all of them may be solely focused on the country, they provide glimpses into different aspects of Cameroonian and African cultures.
  • Here are five famous novels set in Cameroon:
  • “Houseboy” by Ferdinand Oyono: This novel provides a powerful portrayal of life in colonial Cameroon through the eyes of a young African houseboy.
  • “Mongo Beti’s The Poor Christ of Bomba”: This novel explores the themes of colonialism and cultural identity through the story of a young man trying to overcome prejudice and injustice in a small Cameroonian village.
  • “Mount Pleasant” by Patrice Nganang: Set during the independence struggles of the 1950s and ’60s, this novel tells the story of a young boy named “Sissy” who moves to the Mount Pleasant village, navigating the challenges of colonisation and cultural clash.
  • “Birds of Prey” by Mongo Beti: Examining the tensions between tradition and modernity, this novel delves into the lives of individuals in Cameroon who try to resist European colonial influence.
  • “The Old Man and the Medal” by Ferdinand Oyono: This novel follows the life of a disillusioned, elderly African World War II veteran who is awarded a medal for his service. The story offers a critique of colonialism and its impact on African society.
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