Sa Majesté Magazine XIII by Sa Majesté Magazine.

“Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the world.”- Jean-Luc Godard

Hello everyone!

We are now 5 years and 13 issues into the publication of Sa Majesté Magazine, and with each new issue, I am still completely floored by the love and support you have continued to show us through all these years. As the saying goes, it really does take a village to raise a child. Merci beaucoup for helping us raise Sa Majesté Magazine.

Since its inception, our magazine has covered women who have made outstanding contributions to entertainment, fashion, science, public relations and business in Cameroon. It seems apt then to spotlight some of the incredibly talented women who have graced our small screens through movies and TV shows that have made us laugh, cry and feel emotions that we had forgotten we still possessed.

Accordingly, in this issue—published on Global Movie Day—we highlight six women who have worked tirelessly both behind the scenes and onscreen to keep Cameroonian movies on the map. I hope their stories will continue to inspire, encourage and remind us of the power of resilience and hard work.

Special S/O to my big bro Agbor Gilbert, a driving force in the Cameroon Film Industry, for helping me suggest the right faces and encouraging me about the risks and direction I wanted to take with this issue.

Happy reading!

Ebangha Njang Editor-In-Chief, Sa Majesté Magazine

Francoise E llong

Francoise Ellong is a passionate Cameroonian screenwriter and director. Françoise told us “I do absolutely nothing if there is no passion inside either professionally or even in my personal life.” Like she said, it means she always does things fully, opening up all perspectives and with an always positive spirit.

Francoise Ellong is quite a perfectionist and demanding with herself first before being with others. Francois told us she trusts her instincts and when it’s wrong, she assumes by totally banishing regret. Follow us in learning more about the exemplary Francois Ellong. Read on…

SMM:

Comment êtes-vous arrivé à être scénariste et réalisatrice? Quels ont été vos débuts en tant que réalisatrice?

FE: Plus jeune, je participais à un concours de nouvelles qui s’appellait à l’époque “Le Prix du Jeune Ecrivain Francophone”. Le Jury de concours aimait chaque année recevoir mes nouvelles et à mes

17 ans, j’ai reçu la critique qui a littéralement changé ma vie, car le Jury m’a dit : “essayez le scenario !”.

Je n’avais jamais entendu ce mot. Je ne savais même pas à quoi il faisait référence. Passionnée de lecture et étant de nature curieuse, j’ai fait des recherches et je suis tombée sur le livre qui a fait de moi la scénariste que je suis aujourd’hui : “L’écriture des scenarios” de Jean-Marie Roth.

J’ai su que l’écriture scénaristique était faite pour moi. Je me suis formée, participant à des ateliers

et autres workshops pour peaufiner ce que j’avais appris grâce à ce bouquin.

La réalisation est venue d’une simple curiosité liée à l’amour que j’ai pour la philosophie. Je me suis demandée à quel point il était possible de transcrire des mots en images, à quel point cette transcription pouvait être fidèle.

J’avais ainsi 18 ans lorsque j’ai réalisé mon 1er court-métrage : je ne me suis plus jamais arrêtée. J’ai à mon actif 12 courts-métrages et deux longs-métrages connus “W.A.K.A” et “Enterrés”.

SMM:

Quel acteur/scénariste/réalisateur célèbre dans l’histoire voyez-vous comme une source d’inspiration pour vos objectifs ?

FE: Il s’appelle David Lucchini Deplanque. Il n’est pas connu du grand public. Mais mon désir de réaliser est parti de lui et de son regard.

David a réalisé un court-métrage qui m’a donné l’impulsion et je me souviens encore du titre : “mauvais mélange”. J’ai trouvé sa réalisation astucieuse, bien ficelée et terriblement efficace.

J’ai étudié de près comment il a mené son histoire, dirigé ses acteurs pour qu’ils incarnent les personnages et même si tout n’est pas parfait dans ce court, tout est parti de là pour moi.

David reste la première personne à laquelle j’envoie mes films lorsqu’ils sont terminés et prêts à être montrés. Son avis compte énormément pour moi.

SMM:

Si le cinéma ne marchait pas, que penses-tu que tu ferais dans la vie ?

FE: Je ne me suis jamais posée cette question et je ne souhaite pas me la poser aujourd’hui.

SMM:

LOL ok. Alors en tant que réalisatrice, y a-t-il des scènes que vous avez dû réaliser qui étaient complètement hors de votre comfort zone?

FE: J’ai récemment réalisé un docu-fiction et qui plus elle se déroule dans une époque que je n’ai ni connu, ni vécu. C’était la première fois que je faisais un film d’époque et je me suis étonnamment sentie très à l’aise dans ce registre.

Je ne savais même pas que j’en était capable et puis je l’ai fait. L’autre experience vécue qui est totalement hors de ma zone de comfort, c’est d’écrire un projet où la comédie est assez présente.

Je sais que j’adore faire rire, amuser mes proches et leur décrocher des sourires, mais je ne savais pas que j’étais capable de le faire sur papier également.

Je suis une fan de Stephen King et j’adore les thrillers, films psychologiques et les films d’horreur. Vous comprenez donc que c’est totalement à l’opposée de la comédie.

SMM:

Pensez-vous que les acteurs sont traités différemment des actrices on set ? (par exemple; les acteurs étant plus exigeants que les actrices, de meilleurs logements pour les acteurs que les actrices, ou une meilleure éthique de travail attendue des actrices que des acteurs, etc.)

FE: Nous vivons dans des sociétés assez machistes. Les femmes doivent se battre davantage, c’est connu. La différence de traitement est là, mais à mon sens ce n’est pas une fatalité.

Chaque femme a une force insoupçonnable en elle pour faire changer son environnement. Elle doit simplement en prendre conscience ou être bien entourée pour en être consciente. Une fois que c’est fait, elle n’aura jamais à enfiler la casquette du féminisme pour obtenir plus de respect : cela deviendra naturel.

SMM:

Pensez-vous que les réalisatrices ne sont pas aussi respectées que les réalisateurs?

FE: On attend d’elles qu’elles prouvent plus ce dont elles sont capables, c’est clair. La confiance n’est pas naturelle. Elle doit l’imposer et la créer de toutes pièces.

Cela force à être même sans le vouloir dans la performance. Mais en réalité, être soi fonctionne très bien aussi. Tant qu’on sait ce qu’on vaut et qu’on fait, le respect s’impose seul, avec quelques efforts.

Tout est vraiment dans le tempéramment. Certaines vont être volontairement dures et intransigeantes pour montrer leur force. Il n’y a pas de recettes et chaque plateau est différent. Il faut s’adapter.

SMM:

Pensez-vous que les acteurs se voient offrir plus d’argent pour leurs rôles que les actrices ? Cela a été un problème récurrent dans l’industrie du cinéma, en particulier à Hollywood. Quelle est votre opinion là-dessus?

FE: Je ne suis pas certaine que notre industrie a ce

type de problèmes. Nous ne sommes pas à Hollywood. Nous avons d’autres soucis à gérer pour le moment pour faire exister nos oeuvres.

Mais je peux me tromper.

SMM:

Pouvons-nous confortablement dire que l’industrie cinématographique camerounaise génère suffisamment d’argent pour en vivre? Car je sais qu’il y a beaucoup d’acteurs/réalisateurs qui veulent suivre cette voie mais qui ne sont

pas sûrs d’en vivre durablement.

FE: Y a-t-il une industrie ?

Pour qu’il y en ait une, il faudrait que la chaine de fabrication et de diffusion d’un film soit totalement complète et à l’échelle de la population.

Je trouve que nous allons vite en besogne.

Certains Cinéastes peuvent se

“targuer de vivre de leur Art. Mais c’est un pourcentrage tellement infime qu’on ne peut pas se baser là-dessus pour faire un quelconque statement.

La structuration n’y est pas. Et tant qu’elle n’y sera pas, il n’y aura que des exceptions.

SMM:

Vous avez de très bons points là. Comment s’est passée la collaboration avec les projets de films et les cinéastes francophones/ anglophones ? Des défis ?

FE: Cela parait assez utopiste pour les autres, mais je ne suis personnellement pas dans les considerations francophones/Anglophones.

Anurin Nwunembom est le role principal d’Enterrés. Je ne me suis pas demandée s’il est Francophone ou Anglophone, c’est lui que je voulais.

Le docu-fictions d’époque, je l’ai tourné avec Christa Eka. Pareille, la question n’est pas de quel côté du Cameroun elle vient, je la voulait dans ce film.

SMM:

Vous êtes l’un des scénaristes renommés et acclamés en Afrique Francophone et je veux vraiment que plus de jeunes femmes camerounaises vous admirent et lisent davantage sur vos œuvres parce que les jeunes d’aujourd’hui se concentrent davantage sur les « influenceurs » comme modèles, ce qui n’aide pas nos enfants. . En plus de l’écriture de scénario et de la réalisation, vous avez également publié un roman “Journal Intime d’Un Meurtrier” et vous avez lancé le blog “Le Film Camerounais”. Pouvez-vous nous dire en quoi consiste le blog ?

FE: Recréer la connexion entre nos images et le Public. C’est la vocation de LFC.

Créer de vraies opportunités aux films Nommés et Primés fait partie de l’ADN du blog et c’est ce qui a donné naissance à la Cérémonie de recompenses LFC AWARDS. Il ne s’agit pas de parler des films et puis qu’ils tombent aux oubliettes jusqu’à la prochaine sélection.

Je souhaitais que le public lambda qui apprécie des personnages, suivent de près les acteurs qui les incarnent et soient au courant de tous les projets qui les sollicitent.

Les acteurs et actrices sont les ambassadeurs des films. LFC remet cela à l’ordre du jour. Les Réalisateurs sont plus connus que ceux que l’on voit à l’écran et à mon sens, c’est totalement anormal.

Heureusement, ce n’est plus le cas et je suis certaine que LFC y a contribué en plus de tous les autres blogs et plateformes qui s’intéressent au Cinéma.

SMM:

L’une de vos œuvres les plus remarquables était “W.A.K.A” et “BURIED” qui méritent d’être mentionnées ! Bravo! Votre dernier projet « Le Futur Est A Nous » (série) diffusé sur Canal + Afrique Pop. Pouvez-vous nous en dire plus sur ces projets, notamment « Le Futur Est A Nous » ?

FE: Le Futur Est A Nous est la preuve de la force du panafricanisme. Une série dans laquelle tellement de nationalités se sont rencontrées, ont collaboré pour ensemble raconter une histoire.

Je tire mon chapeau à Samantha Biffot, à l’initiative du projet qui a été un franc succès. Je suis extrêmement fière d’y avoir participé et j’espère que d’autres projets comme celui-là verront le jour.

FE: LFC AWARDS récompense le savoir-faire Camerounais mais également d’Afrique et des Caraïbes en matière de Cinéma.

C’est un Jury très particulier composé de Cinéphiles, de Cinéastes, de Critiques de Cinéma, d’Artistes afin que lors d’une soirée, ils regardent tous dans la même direction et plebiscitent les mêmes oeuvres.

SMM:

Vous avez fondé les LFC AWARDS. Pouvez-vous nous en dire plus sur ce que la remise des prix implique ?

SMM:

Ces dernières années, il y a eu une augmentation de la collaboration entre les cinéastes camerounais et d’autres industries cinématographiques africaines, en particulier le Nigeria. Selon vous, quels sont les avantages de ces collaborations (if any at all) pour l’industrie cinématographique camerounaise ?

FE: L’ouverture au monde est toujours bénéfique à une industrie. Cela permet de faire découvrir notre culture aux autres, pour qu’ils nous comprennent mieux et qu’ils sachent quels sont nos us et coutumes.

Exporter les oeuvres passent par des collaborations, des coproductions qui permettent de faire de nos pays des destinations Cinéma pour que d’autres pays songent à poser leurs caméras sur nos terres et créer des emplois.

SMM:

Comment décririez-vous l’industrie cinématographique au Cameroun aujourd’hui, compte tenu du chemin parcouru ? Considérez-vous les films comme attractifs sur la scène internationale ?

FE: Les films camerounais ont de moins en moins à envier aux autres en matière de storytelling.

Les Cinéastes n’ont pas encore les budgets, mais ils ont compris qu’il faut raconter des histoires qui nous ressemblent et qui nous reconnectent avec nos publics.

SMM:

Quels conseils peux-tu donner à toutes personnel intéressées et désireuse de devenir scénariste ou réalisatrice ?

FE: La seule limite, c’est vous.

SMM:

Merci beaucoup Françoise !

FE: Pour rien.

Françoise Ellong is on Instagram: @fellonggomez

Twitter: @francoiseellong

Facebook: Françoise Ellong (Gomez)

Lucie Memba

LUCIE MEMBA BOS is a prolific Cameroonian actress, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and a mom. Wife and mother of 3 children, she is very passionate about her family and as well as her career. We caught up with Lucie Memba BOS. Read on…

SMM:

How did you get into acting? What was your first breakthrough role into acting?

LMB: Je n’étais pas prédisposée à être actrice de cinéma. Je me suis retrouvée dans le cinéma à tout hasard. A la base j’ai toujours été très portée sur tout ce qui a trait à l’art car toute petite, j’avais fais de la danse, le mannequinat, la musique, la gymnastique sportive et artistique, mais curieusement, pas de théâtre. Un jour le réalisateur OUSMANE STEPHANE m’a offert le rôle principal dans son film. J’étais curieuse et à vrai dire, j’y suis allé pour m’amuser car j’aimais être sur les feux des projecteurs. C’est sur ce plateau que j’ai découvert le virus du 7ème art qui sommeillait en moi. Alors j’ai décidé d’en faire une carrière. Depuis lors, j’ai joué dans plusieurs films, séries et publicités, aussi bien en anglais qu’en français.

SMM:

What famous actor in history do you see as an inspiration for your goals?

LMB: Il y en a plusieurs, mais VIOLA DAVIS demeure ma plus grande inspiration !

SMM:

Yes I love Viola Davis too! What is the biggest role you auditioned for but didn’t get? Any interesting stories? ��

LMB: Je vais être honnête avec vous : toutes les fois où j’ai décidé de participer à une audition, j’ai eu un rôle. Pas forcément le rôle principal, mais j’obtenais un autre rôle dans le film. Peutêtre parce que j’avais le profil recherché. Aussi insignifiant qu’était le rôle, je donnais TOUT pour ne pas passer inapperçu.

I can only imagine lol. Do you believe male actors are treated differently from female actors on set? (actors being allowed more demands than actresses, better living quarters for actors than actresses, better work ethics expected from actresses than actors, etc.)

LMB: Si je m’en tiens au contexte camerounais, je dirais non, ou alors se serait même un peu l’inverse, car les actrices ont su s’imposer et elles ont de la plus-value dans nos films. Elles travaillent leur branding personnel afin d’être « bankable ».

SMM:

Great! So if acting didn’t work out, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

LMB: J’aurai été décoratrice d’interieur ou alors dans le Marketing.

SMM:

As an actor, are there any scenes you’ve had to make that was completely out of your comfort zone?

LMB: Oh oui absolument ! Certaines scènes érotiques assez osées au début de ma carrière. J’étais un peu gênée devant la caméra et tous ces techniciens. J’ai du faire preuve de beaucoup de professionnalisme. Mais bon c’est le métier. Maintenant ça va mieux, même si j’ai mes limites à ne pas franchir.

SMM:

Do you believe actors are offered more money for their roles than actresses? This has been an ongoing issue in the movie industry especially in Hollywood. What’s your take on that?

LMB: Sur le plan international, plus précisement à Hollywood, beaucoup de films pendant des décénies ont placés les acteurs comme des héros et les actrices aux second plan. Du coup, elles sont moins rémunérées que les acteurs. Mais de plus en plus, la situation change car les actrices ne cessent de le reclamer.

SMM:

The success of actresses in the budding Cameroon movie industry has very often been associated to factors (most especially amorous affairs with rich men) other than their hard work. What is your take on this?

LMB: Dans notre industrie cinématographique, les actrices étant des personnages publiques sont conscientes de l’attrait qu’elles ont sur les hommes riches alors beaucoup en profitent et capitalisent là-dessus. Notons que cela existe partout dans le monde. Je ne me permettrai pas de juger qui que ce soit car il y a une histoire derrière chaque personne et elles ont certainement leur raisons. En ce qui me concerne, je suis officiellement mariée et maman. J’ai une famille à qui je dois du respect.

SMM:

Can we comfortably say the Cameroon movie industry is generating enough money for one to make a living from? Because I know there are many aspiring actors who want to follow this route but are not sure of making a sustainable living.

LMB: Oui et non !

NON: Si on tient compte du fait que les productions ne sont pas régulières, il est difficile pour un acteur de subvenir à ses besoins mensuels.

OUI: Indirectement le cinéma permet d’avoir une crédibilité, une popularité et par ricochet une belle communauté qui nous suit au quotidien. Cela attire les marques qui nous sollicitent pour des collaborations qui génèrent de l’argent.

“

SMM:

Yes that’s right! Some movie roles have often required actresses to go the extra mile (ex: the Dora Milaje in Black Panther going bald for the blockbuster movie). What’s the most challenging task you’ve had to go through for a movie?

LMB: Oui en effet pour le film LE PETIT SAM, j’ai dû prendre du poids, me tailler les ongles, me laisser vieillir et salir véritablement pour pouvoir incarner le rôle de la vielle MAA CRESSENCE.

J’ai eu des marques de balaffles qui sont restés sur mes joues pendant des mois après le tournage.

Pour le film LE BLANC D’EYENGA et le film LA PATRIE D’ABORD, j’ai dû me blesser gravement pour la beauté de l’image.

SMM:

Aww sorry to hear that ! It’s part of being an actor I guess. How has the collaboration with Francophone/ Anglophone movie projects and filmmakers been? Any challenges for you so far?

Le cinéma Camerounais

fascine de plus en plus aussi bien sur le plan local que international

LMB: J’ai eu le plaisir de rencontrer Agbor Gilbert en 2009 et il m’a introduit dans le milieu cinématographique anglophone. Depuis lors j’ai joué dans plusieurs films en anglais et travaillé avec plusieurs cinéastes anglophones. D’ailleurs mon film CHARIOT OF THE GODS est tourné en anglais, pidgin, français et mokpe bakweri. C’est toujours un challenge pour moi car je garde l’accent francophone.

De plus en plus nous retrouvons des acteurs francophones dans les films en anglais et vice versa.

SMM:

You have been on the Cameroonian filmmaking scene for a while now and on so many movie projects like PREDICTION, LE PETIT SAM, and a bunch of TV series but your latest work “ALERTE” directed by Nigerian legendary actor Zack Orji is worth mentioning! What’s the project “ALERTE” all about?

LMB: Oui, c’était un honneur de partager la scène avec la légende du cinéma africain Zack Orji en

tant que mon époux et mon réalisateur. Le film ALERTE est un plaidoyer contre les violences basées sur le genre. L’histoire tourne autour de CYNTHIA, le rôle principale que j’incarne, victime de violence par son mari PIERRE ANDERSON incarné par Zack Orji, et le désir de cette dernière de rendre justice. Le film a été réalisé avec le soutien de l’UNFPA, le fond des nations unis pour la population.

SMM:

You’re not only an actress, you’re a producer as well. What are the key factors of the kind of projects you love to produce when it comes to educating society through films?

LMB: En tant que productrice, je produits des films à la fois engagés et divertissants. Mon film CHARIOT OF THE GODS par exemple soutien la cause des albinos.

SMM:

In recent years, there has been a surge in collaboration between Cameroonian filmmakers and other African movie industries especially Nigeria. What do you think are the benefits of these collaborations (if any) to the Cameroon movie industry?

LMB: Toute collaboration est bonne lorsque les deux parties trouvent leurs bénéfices. Beaucoup de film camerounais emplois des acteurs Nigérians dans le but de se donner plus de chance pour Netflix. Mais très peu, ou presque pas de films Nigerians sollicitent les acteurs camerounais dans leur films car ils n’y voient pas de plus-value.

And you’re very right. Pas de “plus value”. What are some of those themes which still stand as taboo topics in the cinema scene today and how do you cope with them?

LMB: Beaucoup de thèmes sont encore tabou dans notre industrie, en l’occurrence ;

- La guerre du NOSO

- Le terrorisme

- La gérance du pouvoir en place

- Le sexe

Et bien d’autres. Des sujets assez délicats à aborder dans notre contexte social par peur de heurter les sensibilités. C’est bien dommage car le cinéma reste une meilleur arme pour passer des messages forts, sensibiliser et faire bouger les choses

SMM:

Thank you so much for mentioning “La guerre du NOSO”. You being a Francophone entertainer, I appreciate that. How will you describe the film industry in Cameroon today, looking at how far you have come? Will you consider the movies attractive on the international scene?

LMB: Oh! Oui absolument. Le cinéma Camerounais

fascine de plus en plus aussi bien sur le plan local que international. Le numérique nous aide à palier au manque de salles de cinéma. Nous avons des films de qualités aussi bien sur le plan artistique que technique sur Netflix. Sur les plateformes de streaming locale, les cinéphiles en redemandent. Certe il reste beaucoup à faire, mais je dirai que nous sommes sur la bonne voie et croyez-moi, vous entendrez de plus en plus parler du cinéma camerounais

What advice can you give to anyone interested in and working towards becoming an actress/ entrepreneur or a movie producer in Cameroon?

SMM:

I know things are pretty different with being an actor/entrepreneur as a mom. What are the challenges you’re facing in the industry as a working mom?

LMB: Vous l’avez si bien dit, ce n’est pas facile de gérer ma casquette d’actrice, productrice, entrepreneur et maman. Plus j’évolue dans ma carrière, plus les challenges sont grands. Mes enfants entrent dans l’adolescence et je me dois d’être plus présente. Un gros soucis de disponibilité se pose. Heureusement que j’ai le soutien de ma famille.

SMM:

Would you like to give any tips to other mompreneurs on how to juggle motherhood & their careers and how to be successful?

LMB: OMG! Moi j’essaye au maximum d’impliquer ma famille dans ce que je fais, tout en les protégeant du milieu du showbiz. Après une période de tournage, je prends du temps pour ma famille avant de me remettre en scène.

SMM:

LMB: J’encouragerai toujours toute personne désireuse d’être cinéaste au Cameroun. C‘est un métier porteur au vue de l’industrie qui se développe progressivement. Mais il faut de former au préalable afin de savoir en tirer largement profit

SMM:

Thank you so much Lucie! You have been amazing.

LMB: Je vous remercie pour l’interêt à ma modeste personne, et de m’avoir donné l’occasion de replonger dans ma passion et mon parcours.

SMM: De rien. Merci beaucoup !

Lucie Memba BOS is on Instagram : @luciemembabos

Facebook : Lucie Memba BOS Twitter : @luciemembabos

Ndem Nora

Ndem Nora is a beauty queen (Miss Cameroon USA 2014) , an Actor, a Philanthropist, and an entrepreneur. CEO of Chocoskin Cosmetics, an all natural Skincare brand for all skin types and gender. She is also (PROUDLY) a mother to a beautiful little girl. Come with us while we take on this journey to learn more about Ndem Nora, the actress!

SMM:

We were introduced to you in the entertainment scene as a philanthropist and Miss Cameroon USA 2014. What happened after that? Because after that you became Ndem Nora, the actress instead.

NN: Well one can only be in so many pageants before they hit the age limit and get to move on to other things; one of which is continuing the philanthropic works that were mostly inspired by being a voice for the masses and a representative for the community we grew up in and those around us. As a pageant queen you get to learn confidence, poise, presentability and be in a position to impact change; and I believe that sets a great foundation for anything we pageant queens decide to do after that. And of course I decided to venture into acting

because I believe it mirrors those qualities and because in my journey as queen I got so many advances to be in movies and I said the universe must be saying something, so I gave it a try. It was a great decision that I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy on many movie sets so far.

SMM:

How did you get into acting? What was your first breakthrough role into acting?

NN: Well I had gotten too many advances in the past to be in movies that I turned down because I wasn’t sure about the seriousness of the producers and honestly I stayed away because of the stories I had heard about producers, directors and aspiring actors. It left a sour taste and I didn’t want to be a “victim” or put myself in that position. But they kept pushing so I decided to cautiously give it a try. I got contacted by Claudio Oben a prolific producer who gave me my first role in his movie “DEFYING THE 6th”. From then on I ventured into Nigeria where I got my first big breakout role in the movie “MERRY MEN” by AY Comedian and thereafter, I did more including “WHEN IT ENDS” by Montana Peters which has earned me lots of recognition in the Cameroon Film Industry and internationally.

SMM:

What famous actor in history do you see as an inspiration for your goals?

NN: There are quite a handful in many parts of the world; but i’ll say I look up to black queens like Angela Basset, Viola Davis, Genevieve Nnaji, and so many others for different reasons.

SMM:

What is the biggest role you auditioned for but didn’t get? Any interesting stories? ��

NN: Oh lord! When I first started I had done one little role before deciding to check out auditioning for roles. I believed it was the pathway which is still to some people because it is quite an interested process driven by passion because the cues and still you end up not getting the job, is exhausting and many levels, very much admiration for those who till date haven’t given up going for as many as they can. So far I have been to two auditions; the first one didn’t work out, but I was fortunate to land a role in an episode of “My Flatmate” by BasketMouth.

SMM:

Your journey wasn’t bad lol. So if acting didn’t work out, what do you think you would be doing for a living? Do you still model?

NN: Well if acting didn’t work out for me I would have been a full time employee at some Fortune 500 company in the US; working as a paralegal or digital consulting or anything that gives me money. A lady has got needs to be met. LOL

SMM:

Lol yup! As an actor, are there any scenes you’ve had to make that was completely out of your comfort zone?

NN: It will actually shock lots of people that my most difficult part of any role has been the ones that require me to scream; that takes a lot for me as an introvert and mostly quiet. But apart from that, I am up to every single role I’m offered if I’m interested in the dynamics of the job, I will get it done professionally.

SMM:

Do you believe male actors are treated differently from female actors on set? (actors being allowed more demands than actresses, better living quarters for actors than actresses, better work ethics expected from actresses than actors, etc.)

NN: Actually from my experience, the pressure has been equal. We all come on set as professionals to work and the PM (production manager) has one job which is to get us on set on time, be it male or female.

SMM:

Do you believe actors are offered more money for their roles than actresses? This has been an ongoing issue in the movie industry especially in Hollywood. What’s your take on that?

NN: I have not had that experience or a direct encounter to prove that statement legit per my experiences. But if that’s the case, there either should be good reason or we really need to look into it and see how it can

be regulated and changed to benefit all according to the magnitude of work put into a project by an actor or actress.

SMM:

NN: Survival is a task for us all, and how individuals choose to achieve that is up to them. Each to his/her own.

SMM:

NN: It depends on your day to day expenses but on an honest note, right now it should be an activity you enjoy out of passion. Have something else to do because the reality is there aren’t enough movies produced in a year to give everyone multiple jobs to fuel their bills and daily needs.

SMM:

I agree with you! Some movie roles have often required actresses to go the extra mile (ex: the Dora Milaje in Black Panther going bald for the blockbuster movie). What’s the most challenging task you’ve had to go through for a movie?

NN: I will like to say in everything I have done, I’m still to get that role that can push me to those limits and yes if you are thinking of asking if I will; I will be more than willing to go that extra mile for the sake of the craft to put my name in the books of one of the greats.

SMM:

How has the collaboration with Francophone/ Anglophone movie projects and filmmakers in Cameroon been? Any challenges?

NN: I haven’t had the chance to work with the Francophone side of the film industry and hope I get to one day. I am completely open for collabo-

“

We are unique and packed full with talents and the zeal to make it

rations and work opportunities. Haven’t done as much as I have with the anglophone side of it, in the moment I consider my experiences and challenge as stepping stones and learning blocks and nothing to fuss about.

SMM:

We know you have been on so many movie

projects but your work on “WHEN IT ENDS” is worth mentioning. Congratulations on all the awards the movie won including you winning Best Actress at the Christian Film Festival. Can you tell us more about the project as a whole?

NN: Thank you very much, I’m honored. The movie was a great first lead role experience for me. We shot a great body of work in a couple of weeks. I played the role of Harriet , a young woman who is married for two years without a child, gets worried and turns to church and her marriage actually takes a tough turn. You can say it’s a Christian movie because it highlights so many challenges relating to how we interpret the Bible in connection to our social lives. It is a beautiful movie produced by MONTANA PETERS and you all will enjoy watching on Filmroom.hq and on Qatar Airways and many other platforms as announced.

SMM:

I can’t wait to check it out! So in recent years there has been a surge in collaboration between Cameroonian filmmakers and other African movie industries especially Nigeria. What do you think are the benefits of these collaborations (if any) to the Cameroon movie industry; especially as you are one of the few Cameroonian actresses who have actually lived in Nigeria and worked in the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) too.

NN: Each project has its ways to benefit or not benefit from these collaborations. But I think the way it’s rampant, it shows there are definitely benefits there, so producers should take the chance if they have the means and also make sure they give the same treatment and priorities to our lead actors and actresses as there have been complaints. It is best to use them to uplift ourselves and tap from their spotlight to make our actors grow and not use them to overshadow and blind our talents.

SMM:

“… not use them to overshadow and blind our talents.” This part!!! What are some of those themes which still stand as taboo topics in the cinema scene today and how do you cope with them?

NN: I personally haven’t come across any so far. A lot has been done and well received in their respective categories so far. Hopefully it stays that way because film and story telling need not shy away from reality.

SMM:

How will you describe the film industry in Cameroon today, looking at how far you have come? Will you consider the movies attractive on the international scene?

NN: Absolutely! We are on an unstoppable rise to occupying a great spot in the world cinema scenes. We are unique and packed full with talents and the zeal to make it. It won’t be long from now, Insha allah !!

SMM:

Inshallah! I know things are pretty different with being an actor/ entrepreneur as a mom. What are the challenges you’re facing in the industry as a working mom?

NN: Being a mom is the best part of doing it all. It gives it more purpose and direction; though it has its challenges which is mostly aligning everything with the baby. If anything it just feels better knowing that there is a good reason for doing it all; your child !!!

SMM:

I know the feeling! �� Would you like to give any tips to other mompreneurs on how to juggle motherhood & their careers and how to be successful?

NN: Plan ahead and by all means prioritize your child because all won’t matter if you lost touch with your child. Let that baby be the reason for it all and it will work out as it’s supposed to. The good thing is in Africa we have a lot of family around meaning lots of help, so if you cannot afford a nanny,

ask them to help.

SMM:

Congratulations on your cosmetic brand Chocoskin! Can you tell us more about Chocoskin and where the products can be found/ purchased?

NN: Thank you very much.

CHOCOSKIN is an all naturally handmade skincare line formulated to target troubled and sensitive skin. It’s for all skin tones, races and not limited to age. It helps with dry skin, blemishes, evens skin tone and fades scars. It is guaranteed to keep you squeaky clean. We carry three products currently; two bar soaps, “SHEA BUTTER and COCOA BUTTER SOAP” and SHEA NUT OIL. We sell on our website; www.chocoskxncosmetics. com

You can also order on our Instagram and Facebook pages @chocoskin (facebook) @_chocoskin (instagram)

SMM:

Any final thoughts to any aspiring young women who want to go for the Miss Cameroon USA pageant or become an actress someday?

NN: JUST DO IT !! GO FOR IT !!

SMM:

Thank you so much Nora, for your time.

NN: You’re welcome and thank you too!

Ndem Nora is on Instagram: @ndemnora._ Facebook: Ndem Nora Twitter: @NdemNora

Stephanie Tum

Stephanie Tum, born Ekah Stephanie Tum is a Cameroonian Actress, Producer, Beauty - Entrepreneur and a Philanthropist born on the 2nd of December 1987 in the North West Region of Cameroon. She hails from Menchum Division, Wum. Stephanie Tum is a mother of 2 boys and she is known in the Cameroon Film Industry as a worthy of mention Actress because of her exceptional performances in movies like;

- The Giant Broom Directed by Oliver Awah Nde , 2005

- Pink Poison Directed by Neba Lawrence, 2011

- VIRI Directed by Enah Johnscott, 2013

- Shrill Directed by NR Seehofer, 2016

- Little Cindy Directed by Billybob Lifunga, 2018

- Saving Mbango Directed by Nkanya Nkwai, 2019

- The Rose Tree Directed by Uduakobong Patrick, 2021

- Love Trap Directed by Cosson Chinepoh, 2021

- Against The Wind Directed by Neba Lawrence Mforlems, 2021

- The Planter’s Plantation Directed by Eystein Young, 2021

- Makarena - The Dancing Girl Directed by Zack Orji, 2021

-When The Levees Broke Directed by Musing Derrick, 2022

And also as a Producer for her debut movie “Saving Mbango” directed by Nkanya Nkwai released in 2019 under her own production company Embi Productions.

Her movie #SavingMbango has won several awards and nominations across the globe including; Awards Won

- Best Feature Film New Breed Africa Celebrity Award 2019

- Best Actor New Breed Africa Celebrity Award 2019

- Best Feature Film Black Continental Independent Movie Awards USA

- Best Actor Black Continental Independent Movie Awards USA 2020

- Best Actress Black Continental Independent Movie Awards USA 2020

- Best Editor Black Continental Independent Movie Awards USA 2020

- Official selection Festival Du Cinéma Africain De Kourigba 2020 Morocco

- Official selection Feature Film Cameroon and International CAMIFF (Cameroon International Film Festival) 2020/2021

- Best Film Abuja International Film Festival 2020

- Best Actor Abuja International Film Festival 2020

- Best Actor Ecrans Noir Festival 2020 - Jury Award Ecrans Noir 2020.

- Best Actor LFC Award 2021

- Best Actress LFC Award 2021

- Best Makeup LFC Award 2021 Nominations;

- Best Social Media Campaign at the Bonteh Digital Awards 2019.

- Best Director New Breed Africa Celebrity Award 2020

- Best Director Abuja International Film Festival 2020

- Feature Film Cameroon, Central Africa and International Ecrans Noir Festival 2020

- Nominated in 10 categories at the LFC AWARDS 2021

As a humanitarian, Stephanie Tum is the founder of The Embi Charity Foundation; known for her Menstrual Health Awareness campaign dubbed “Girls And Hygiene” aimed at educating young girls and women on menstruation and hygiene and seeking sustainable solutions to fight period poverty and has provided free sanitary pads to over 10 thousand girls and women. Her Mental Health Awareness campaign dubbed “Break The Stigma” Campaign aimed at sensitising the public on mental health and seeking/providing solutions for those in need of help and was nominated for best Social Media Campaign for Mental Health Awareness at the Bonteh Digital Awards 2018.

- Official Selection Feature Film Panafrican Film Festival Cannes 2020

Stephanie Tum was also nominated Most Influential Young Cameroonian under 40 in the category of entertainment by Advance Media & COSDEF Group in 2017 and 2018 respectively. She was nominated

“Best Dressed Actress at the Cameroon Fashion Award 2018.

And then in 2011 my elder brother and mentor Agbor Gilbert came to my office while I was working with Weatherford International, an Oil and Gas company and told me he was shooting a movie and had a supporting role for me. And that is how I got into acting professionally. After that I was hooked but faced a dilemma between my white collar job and the film industry. As fate will have it, in 2017 I finally made up my mind to join the film industry fully and now I am not only an actress but I am also a producer and I own a production company, EMBI PRODUCTIONS.

SMM:

Interesting! What famous actor in history do you see as an inspiration for your goals?

As a Beauty Entrepreneur, Stephanie Tum recently launched her Organic Cosmetic Brand for black women named Embi Glow with its first collection an Organic skin care line for black women of all shades of melanin. Sa Majesté Magazine had to catch up with the power house actress. Read on!

SMM:

How did you get into acting? What was your first break through role into acting?

ST: I was introduced into acting for the first time in 2005 by my high school literature teacher Mr Oliver Nde who was also a film producer/director. I did a “waka pass” two scenes role in his movie “The Giant Broom” but it was a once off thing for me.

ST: I am very much inspired by the Nigerian Actress Omoni Oboli because of the few similarities we have. She is a boymom like myself, Actress and a Producer. And she is also a Director which I aspire to be in the future. Her work ethics, focus and drive is so inspiring and she is also a damn good actress. Another actress that also inspires me is the American Actress Taraji P. Henson. I just love her delivery/ performance in every movie I have watched her in. Also her being a single mom and never letting her age or her story stop her from becoming one of the most celebrated actresses in the world truly inspires me.

SMM:

What is the biggest role you auditioned for but didn’t get? Any interesting stories? ��

ST: At the time in 2013, I auditioned for a role in the movie “A Little Lie, A Little Kill” that would have been my first lead role, but due to my job and schedule it wasn’t possible for me to get it. Interestingly, one of my favorite sisters in the industry Ruth Nkweti got the role and she killed it! When the movie came out that year it was a big deal. I felt bitter sweet but was happy someone who deserved it got the role and she gave a stellar performance.

SMM:

If acting didn’t work out, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

ST: Same thing I was doing before joining the film industry fully. I would have been working in the Oil and Gas industry making some good oil money lol.

SMM:

About the good oil money lol I feel you! As an actor, are there any scenes you’ve had to make that was completely out of your comfort zone?

ST: Yeah I had a scene in the movie “Pink Poison” where I had to shoot with a dog. That was not an easy scene for me as I am not a dog person. But I had to do what I had to do. It was terrifying.

SMM:

OMG! I can’t stand dogs too!!! Do you believe male actors are treated differently from female actors on set? (actors being allowed more demands than actresses, better living quarters for actors than actresses, better work ethics expected from actresses than actors, etc.)

same treatment on set. We can’t really brag of having diva treatments on set yet because we are not yet at that level but there is no discrimination to the best of my knowledge.

SMM:

Do you believe actors are offered more money for their roles than actresses? This has been an ongoing issue in the movie industry especially in Hollywood. What’s your take on that?

ST: In Cameroon I think it’s the opposite for now. Actresses are known to have a stronger bargaining power from my experience as a Producer. And also actresses put in more efforts in the branding and promotion of whatever projects they are involved in and tend to have more followers on their social media platforms. So it goes without saying that they will be tough on negotiations.

SMM:

ST: I think as Africans we always tend to attribute a woman’s success to a man and that is really sad. Women in the Cameroon Film Industry are the forerunners of the industry right now. They are the leaders and are hardworking and relentless. You can’t take that away from them. Their success should be attributed to their hard work respectfully. Now if it happens some of them have men in their lives who assist them and support their dreams, it is only a bonus. No reasonable man will invest in or support a woman who is not resourceful.

ST: Honestly I don’t think so. I think we all get the

SMM:

Good points! It’s only a BONUS. You make so much sense Stephanie! Can we comfortably say the Cameroon movie industry is generating enough money for one to make a living from? Because I know there are many aspiring actors who want to follow this route but are not sure of making a sustainable living.

ST: YES and I will explain how. As an Actor, your job gives you the opportunity to have a huge platform and followers you can leverage on. From endorsement deals, to owning your own business and also exploiting your other talents to make extra income. If you are counting on Acting alone, you will live a hand-to-mouth life but if you use your Acting career to brand yourself and build a solid platform you will definitely make enough to be able to live a decent life. This is where you have to be smart and capitalise on all the opportunities you will have coming your way due to the exposure and platform Acting will give you.

I always advise everyone coming into the industry as an actor to have a side hustle and to exploit their other talents.

For Producers/ExecutiveProducers, they will always make back their ROI from the sales of their movies. They are the Business in Show-business.

SMM:

I hope someone can learn from how you put it. Very educational! Some movie roles have often required actresses to go the extra mile (ex: the Dora Milaje in Black Panther going bald for the blockbuster movie). What’s the most challeng-

ing task you’ve had to go through for a movie?

ST: My upcoming movie “WhenThe Levees Broke” was my most challenging movie so far! I had to prepare my self Physically going to the gym every day, Mentally, Spiritually and Emotionally for this particular movie. It was a one character movie and I had to do all the scenes alone, all the stunts and it was physically demanding, challenging and emotionally draining.

“When The Levees Broke” will be premiering early this year (2023) and I can’t wait for the world to watch it. It is the first one character movie in Africa.

SMM:

Wow. Congratulations on the movie. Can’t wait to watch! How has the collaboration with Francophone/ Anglophone movie projects and filmmakers been? Any challenges?

ST: It’s slow and I think we need more of it. There are so many talented actors and filmmakers on both sides and it will be an added advantage for us to do more collaborations and be Intentional about promoting our uniqueness, culture and tell authentic Cameroonian stories.

SMM:

We know you have been on so many movie projects but your work on “SAVING MBANGO” both as actor, Producer and Executive Producer is worth mentioning. Congratulations on that project and the multiple awards! What are the hurdles of being a Producer/ Executive Producer/actor? How did the whole “SAVING MBANGO” project come to fruition?

ST: This is a really good question. Transitioning

from an actor to a Producer/Executive Producer with a project as intense as “Saving Mbango” was challenging. The Naysayers who doubted my capabilities as a Producer, putting a solid team together and overseeing the entire process; as an Executive Producer raising the funds to shoot the movie and shooting the movie in a village called Mondoni in the South West Region during the heat of the Anglophone crisis. A village with no hotels, no portable water, no electricity. When I decided to do this project my bank account was on red and I was going through the toughest period of my life financially and emotionally; my world was basically falling apart! I needed to do something with my life to remind myself that I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I sold my car to raise money but it still wasn’t enough. I reached out to my partner / Co-Executive Producer Julia Gham who came onboard without hesitation and that is how I was able to raise the funds to shoot Saving Mbango.

time we were there. Most of us came back home and fell seriously sick, but I can tell you that has got to be one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had. It truly humbled me and it changed my perspective on life and people in general.

Thank God we shot a masterpiece, a movie that was a pivotal part of the change we are experiencing in the movie industry in Cameroon today. We have made some decent ROI on the movie but we are hoping to make more with the new Distribution deals we have coming our way recently and also with the coming of FilmRoom. Saving Mbango is currently showing on FilmRoom worldwide for just 300frs CFA or $1, £1, etc. You can download it on Google play store and iOS app store soon.

It’s a 100% Cameroonian movie platform. You can watch so many other Cameroonian movies there.

SMM:

Going on set with a cast and crew of about 30 people from different backgrounds and egos and shooting in a red zone was another challenge. But thank God I was able to manage it with the help of the most brilliant Production and Location manager we have in the Cameroon film industry, Sigalla Lovet whom I was blessed to work with. I always say I wouldn’t have been able to shoot Saving Mbango without him for he was truly the backbone of the project.

Like I mentioned we had no portable water, hotels or electricity. We rented one of the local’s compound and did a minimal refurbishment, put mattresses on the floor and that was our home for 3 weeks. We took our baths in the River Wouri every morning like the locals, we basically immersed ourselves in the village lifestyle and lived like them during the entire

Whew! I knew making #SavingMbango would be a trip but not this much of a trip. Good job! By the way congratulations on your latest project “THE PLANTERS PLANTATION” and the movie being the official Cameroon selection at the 95th Academy Awards (The Oscars). That’s a huge deal! How did you get the role in the movie? How was it working with all those great African actors especially the legendary Nkem Owoh from Nigeria?

ST: Thank you so much! I got a call from the director who wanted a Metisse ( mixed race) woman to play Miss Tosengeng and I fitted the character. When I got the script I knew this was a special project and it

was going to break records. I accepted to be a part of the project without hesitation. Working with Uncle Nkem was simply amazing! With all his achievements his humility was simply outstanding. And what an amazing actor he is. It was a fun set with young brilliant filmmakers all under 30 years old.

SMM:

ST: The benefits of collaboration with other already established industries especially our neighbours Nigeria go without saying. As Anglophone filmmakers we can only benefit from their worldwide exposure, experience and film market. We can piggyback on their success and create a platform for ourselves and our talents. It is of the essence for Cameroonian filmmakers to do these collaborations to be able to sell ourselves worldwide and also learn from their experiences. Collaborations are very necessary for growth.

SMM:

What are some of those themes which still stand as taboo topics in the cinema scene today and how do you cope with them?

ST: I think the only themes that we haven’t exploited yet is homosexuality, reasons being that it is against the law in Cameroon and it will be delicate to handle such a project without getting yourself into trouble.

SMM:

Lol true. How will you describe the film industry in Cameroon today, looking at how far you have come? Will you consider the movies attractive on the international scene?

ST: The Cameroon film industry is a thriving industry. We only need more exposure and a proper marketing structure for our movies in order to make the film industry to be financially sustainable. We are already competing with other film industries on a global stage. The quality of our films and talents is no longer questionable.

SMM:

I know things are pretty different with being an actor/entrepreneur as a mom. What are the challenges you’re facing in the industry as a working mom?

ST: Managing being an entrepreneur, a mom and a filmmaker is a hassle. But I try as much as possible to maintain a balance so one doesn’t suffer from the other. But my kids are always my priority. I have lost jobs in the past because it didn’t fit my schedule so I always try to plan things ahead and also ask for help from my family whenever I can. I also have a strong support system and team that helps stay on top of things and look amazing all the time. It takes a village and I am blessed to have one that understands my mission and life’s purpose.

SMM:

Would you like to give any tips to other mompreneurs on how to juggle motherhood & their careers and how to be successful?

ST: I will say never give up on your dreams, let nothing stop you. Find the right support system and go for your dreams. We are superheroes without capes and we are born multitaskers. You got this!

SMM:

I know that’s right! Congratulations on all your brand ambassadorial deals, especially with Chrono Foods. It’s because of you I know what it’s about. What advice can you give to anyone interested in and working towards becoming an actress/entrepreneur?

ST: Thank you so much �� For those interested in being an actress; first things first, go out there and attend auditions, shoot your shot, even when they don’t cast you, keep going. Someone will definitely see your talent and cast you someday. Don’t sell yourself short because what is yours will definitely come to you. You have to network, attend events, brand yourself and support others in their winning season because your time will come. For Entrepreneurs; start with whatever you have, start from somewhere and build up. There is no shame in legit hustle that pays your bills. Promote your business like your life depends on it. It will not be easy, you will experience sleepless nights and sometimes wet your pillow to sleep, you might even fail at some point or experience difficulties in your business, don’t stop, get up and keep going till you get it right.

I always say I will never trust or listen to a person who has never failed in life. Because failures only shape us to be better and we learn from our mistakes and experiences. So NEVER be scared to fail.

SMM:

That was good advice right there. Thank you so much Stephanie! We really appreciate you.

ST: No, thank you!

Stephanie Tum is on Instagram: @ stephanietum_

Facebook: Stephanie Tum Official

Onyama Laura

In 2011, little did viewers of the movie “Heavy Rain” imagine that the young Onyama Laura would be counted in the litany of the great exports of Cameroon’s cinema.

Every of her steps have been clothed with successes; awards, major roles in big cinematographic projects and international. At the 2016 edition of the Ecrans Noir Film Festival, she was rewarded with the award for best Cameroonian actress for her role as Nayah in the movie “Kiss Of Death”. A year later, she was once more crowned best actress in Cameroon at the CAMIFF Awards.

Regarded as one of the most daring actresses in the industry, the multi-award winner hasn’t limited herself to just acting; Philantropist, entrepreneur, youth advocate, model, brand ambassador are some of her many feathers.

Many fans reveal they discovered this gifted actress in the award winning movie “Saving Mbango” but it is worth noting that she went bald to fit into the lead role of this movie as Mbango. Filmed in Mondoni, Cameroon, this beautifully rendered drama piece is based on the life of a young man (John) who wound up as the breadwinner of a very dysfunctional family. His chaotic and tumultuous family background gets in the way of his dreams and ambitions. John falls in love with a

village girl (Mbango) whose life has complications that make those of John look trivial. John’s entire world becomes even more conflicted. He finds himself torn between managing his dysfunctional family and saving the love of his life. Constantly tormented by his abrasive and alcoholic father, irresponsible older brother, and mean unmarried sisters, he finds himself in a severe dilemma.

This movie was directed by multiple award-winning Director Nkanya Nwai and is filmed in Mondoni, a rural community in the South West region of Cameroon.

She has since then been part of other big projects such as Kang Quintus’ “Fisherman Diary” which was the first Cameroonian project on Netflix.

It is the wish of many of her fans to see her feature in many international projects in the nearest future. Onyama Laura is on Instagram: @lauraonyamaofficial

Facebook: Laura Onyama

Malvis Ann Mohvu

Malvis Ann Mohvu might definitely not be one of the names one will find in the traditional litany of Cameroonian actresses today, but she is a name to watch out for in the offing.

Discreet yet consistent, she is one of those faces which are always a delight to watch on the big screens. From her rather timid debuts in the TV series, “Rumble”, which aired on CRTV, to picking up movie roles, her progress has been a steady one.

The theatrical savvy and discipline of this commercial model and influencer are traits which hardly go unnoticed.

Her brief stints as video vixen for Salatiel’s Fap Kolo, Tzy Panchak’s Chinda and her performance in movies such as “Smiling Mask”, “Behind Gates” and “Half Heaven” where she acted alongside the likes of Chidi Mokeme speak volumes of her prowess.

As the movie industry is making strides internationally, many remain hopeful to see her star in many more projects.

Malvis Ann Mohvu is on Instagram: @malvisann_mohvu

Facebook: Malvis Ann MOHVU

Twitter: @malvisann11

5 Issues Women Face in the Entertainment Industry

by Mona Moxie

Gender discrimination is a quite familiar topic in today’s society, as women consistently fight for equality and equity. The “what a man can do” phrase is still often used as a counter-argument to any suggestion that women aren’t as able or capable as men - especially in the work place, as more and more women find themselves going the extra mile to prove themselves just as capable. Feminist movements have made - and continue to make a huge impact on women’s rights as several professional organizations enforce more equal opportunity standards.

But the entertainment industry is seemingly still on a different page despite how many female celebrities - including Zoe Saldana, Halle Berry, Melissa McCarthy, Viola Davis, and many morehave spoken out against the treatment of female professionals in the industry. Movements like “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” have echoed the cries of sexual harassment victims across the globe, and the “equal pay” movement pushes for legislation that mandates wage discrimination by gender.

While focus on physical appearance and sexualization of industry girls and women is at the forefront of the issue, an equally big issue is the obvious and purposeful pay gaps between actors and actresses, and even deals that are offered to music and performance artists. Female entertainers all across the globe are taking a stand against and bringing awareness to the sexist nature of the industry. But although these efforts are acknowledged, they are seemingly disregarded due to how little is being done to change the unfairness within the industry.

5 examples of issues women face in the entertainment industry that men are far less likely to include:

1. The unfair pay structure:

Women tend to be offered less pay than men for their roles in projects, including projects where both played a lead. In a passage from Harper’s Bazaar, award winning actress Viola Davis stated, “if a woman does the same job as a man, she should be paid the same amount of money. She just should. That’s just the way the world should work.” Actress Jennifer Lawrence shared the same distaste over the pay inequality. She

stated when explaining why she didn’t argue over the pay she was offered, “I didn’t want to seem ‘difficult’ or ‘spoiled’... until I saw the payroll on the Internet and realized every man I was working with definitely didn’t worry about being ‘difficult’ or ‘spoiled.” Several other actresses and industry entertainers have spoken up about the pay discrimination - including Oprah Winfrey, who confessed to CBS This Morning “if I were to tell you what I got paid for movies, you would laugh.”

Gwyneth Paltrow, another award-winning actress chimed into the movement when she told Variety magazine, “it can be painful. Your salary is a way to quantify what you’re worth. If men are being paid a lot more for doing the same thing, it feels shitty.” Needless to say, the industry is well aware of the out cries of women who want to be treated equally.

2. The casting couch effect:

Several female entertainers have confessed to leaving auditions feeling like the casting director is more interested in their physical appearance than their talent. In an interview with Insider,

Emmy Rossum, star of American TV Show “Shameless”, confessed that a casting director asked her to come into his office with a bikini on so he could assess her weight in relation to the role. Emmy stated that she was told there’d be a bikini scene in the project she was auditioning for as reasoning behind the request; however, it turns out the project had no such scenes. Emmy stated that she was told, as justification, “we really love your work, but we just want to see how tight your a** is.” In another case of female sexualization, American actress Mila Kunis told A Plus Magazine that a producer threatened she will never work again if she refused to pose semi-nude on a magazine cover, which she declined and wrote “I was livid, I felt objectified, and for the first time in my career, I said ‘no,’ and guess what? The world didn’t end.” Indeed it didn’t.

3. The damsel in distress perspective:

Type casting, in other words, pitting women who meet a certain appearance criteria for stereotypical roles like the girly girl who cares more about hairspray than her intellect, or the lonely 40-something in her professional prime and looking for love for failing incredibly at it until she takes a middle age retreat and falls in love with a vineyard owner’s humble son. Too specific? Maybe, but we all know that movie. When a woman is cast in a role that isn’t stereotypical, it is defined as a “powerful role” and she is asked in several interviews how she prepared for such a role, what other “powerful” women in history she channeled. These are not the same interview questions asked to male actors because roles played by men are subliminally seen as powerful. Award-winning actress Meryl Streep spoke out on the damsel in distress perspective when she told 60 Minutes, “no one has ever asked an actor, ‘you’re playing a strong-minded man.’

We assume that men are strong-minded, or have opinions. But a strong-minded woman is a different animal.” Actress Natalie Portman told Elle UK, “the fallacy in Hollywood is that if you’re making a ‘feminist’ story, the woman kicks ass and wins. That’s not feminist; that’s macho. A movie about a weak, vulnerable woman can be feminist if it shows a real person that we can empathize with.”

4. The problem with authority:

Women in co-leadership positions with men often deal with challenges of authority, especially in a team environment. Subordinates, especially males, seek confirmation or a second opinion from the male leader or turn to them to verify a decision the female leader made. Men in leadership roles are generally seen as in charge regardless of if their counterpart has the same level of authority,

such as situations involving co-producers and co-directors of the opposite gender. Actress and award-winner producer, Mindy Kaling, spoke of her experience with the authority complex to NPR, stating “if I make a decision, it’ll still seem like it’s up for debate. If I decided there’d be a certain way in the script, it would still seem open-ended, whereas, if I was a man I would not have seen that.”

American actress Reese Witherspoon fired her male financial adviser who told her she would potentially be making drastically less when she turns 40, so she should make preparations for that. “Basically, you’re not going to have much of a career”, is what she was told due to the fact she was becoming too old to be relevant in the industry. How rude!

5. The male ego complex:

“It’s a man’s world”, the saying goes, meaning the world revolves around and dances to the tune of a male perspective. For some reason in a man’s world, one of the biggest indicators of a his wealth and success is how many young and beautiful women he has around him seemingly at all times. Playboy founder, the late Hugh Hefner, was living the dream of many men in his time.He lived in a mansion surrounded by young, “sexy” women, three of which where his personal girlfriendsthough he was old enough to be their grandfather. While he is glorified as “the man”, the young women pledging themselves as proud “bunnies” were seen as shiny, purchase-able items. This notion is carried well into the film and entertainment industry as younger women often get cast to play older roles, while their counterparts are often the actual age of the character, sometimes even older. In an interview with The Wrap Magazine, American actress Maggie Gyllenhaal stated that she was deemed too old to the play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. She was 37. At this same age,

No matter what part of the industry you want to work in, many women have walked so those coming after can run; however, the battle for gender equity is still on. Remember that you do not have to be polite if you are uncomfortable, and you do not have to sexualize yourself to be relevant - if you do not want to. There are many big name actresses in the industry today who are taking a stand and succeeding, you too can be one them.