To whom was I born(e)? And for what reason was I created?
I was born some two decades ago to a single mother and an extended family who takes pride in education and agriculture. Growing up, I loved science or I thought I did. I wanted to become a doctor for the fancy of it. Unfortunately, life chose a different path for me. My story is that of a youth struggling with passion and society’s demands.
Reading novels made up my transition from a child[hood] [in]to a teen[teenager]. My mother bought me novels weekly and reading them brought excitement to my heart. My imagination ran wild with images of the characters. Hollywood and Nollywood Movies elated my excitement. I always wondered how movies were made as I watched them, until I became a part and parcel of Noble Arts Entertainment, we are a film and theatre productions house based in Bamenda, Cameroon. Here, the roots of my “story of becoming,” strengthened.
“Janet” a short film I wrote and produced on sex trafficking in Cameroon carved my niche. I became a storyteller, a writer and filmmaker. With this I got exposed to industry experts and gained some popularity. “Janet” got selected into the UDADA women’s film festival in Kenya and received a nomination at the Red Feather awards as Best Short Film in Yaounde Cameroon. I won in the categories of best Script Writer and Story Award at the Almost a Night Awards in Bamenda.
“Film does not rip financial profits in Cameroon, stop this dream and focus on your education.”
This has rang through the thoughts of every young filmmaker with passion in Cameroon. There are stories we must tell because there are people out there who need to hear them. I have learnt to blend film and sustainable development goals of the UN, and work towards this path. I have made volunteerism and grassroot work a vital activity, with this, I have gained practical skills.
Going Global…
As a youth, taking advantage of opportunities is the best you can do for your future. I got acquainted with the site “Opportunity Desk,” through one of my volunteering activities. I applied and there it was, the beauty of countless rejection emails popping up in my email! It was frustrating! I felt like quitting until opportunity came knocking, I was selected to attend the African Thinkers Convention Funded by The African Union and Beza Ministries. I was to join other creatives from all over Africa to brainstorm on Agenda 2063, it was such a humbling experience to be the youngest delegate in Africa.
But Why do I do what I do?
As a leader, I strive to create a Utopia for my community. We are faced with the Anglophone crisis which has been plaguing my home town of Bamenda for over 4 years, affecting our livelihood. We’ve recorded the death of more than 200 youths. I only had my paper and pen to tell our story. And here in Bamenda, “IN 72 Hours“, a short film to advocate for peace in Cameroon, was inspired. Then I didn’t have money to shoot it, the script remained in the cupboard for over 4 months waiting for an opportunity.
“When opportunity meets preparation success is inevitable.”
I applied and got selected into Changemaker Exchange summit, a ride to join other Changemakers from West Africa to innovate and collaborate in Accra, Ghana in October 2018.
In the Gold Coast (Ghana), I pitched my creative innovation and got €1,000 funding. Upon my return, my team at Noble Arts Entertainment and collaborators in Nigeria and Senegal brought the movie to life. We raised funds to assist internally displaced people, the project engaged over 1,000 youths with the notion of peace building in Cameroon and Nigeria.
Despite almost getting locked up by the police for a social media stunt, the story is long but the time is short… “IN 72 hours” got selected in two festivals, DPIFF in India and Real Time International Film Festival in Nigeria. On the 25th of June, it was screened in Lagos to the awe of the audience, today it will be screened again.
To you reading this: Success is in what frustrates you most, the journey might be tough but just keep going this is my story of becoming.
Afungfege Evita is currently studying for a B.A in Communication and Development Studies at the University of Bamenda. She’s a youth leader, a creative thinker, innovator and a Changemaker.
Email: afungfegeevita@gmail.com — Facebook
I’m proud of you my darling BOSS, your works is an inspiration to most youths out there so keep grinding for they are looking up to you to be inspired.
More wins and progress for you it’s AllGo
Wow,,what can I even say,,,I’m proud of u mama,,forward Eva
You are a very powerful lady YAM. I look at your work your courage and am amazed. Sometimes looking at the things you Dare into and all I see is myself in a woman form. We are almost the same but as it is in life no two humans even twin from the same mother. There is something really different about you that I know will provide the opportunity for us to work together some day.
Shine on Evita , #EmojiLady
I’m honored to be your co-worker. You inspire me every step of the way. Keep up
Wow very very inspiring Evita, your story is that of adventure, courage, focus and hope. Keep soaring
Dear Evita,
The first time I saw you, i saw a girl who will go places! You are unstoppable and I remain proud of you. I can’t wait to see what 5years from today holds for you. Never stop dreaming and never stop believing in the beauty of your dreams! #GoGirl!
Thank You so much Aunti Bay
My dear Daughter, I have always admired your courage and determination. I was there when you were born and have watched you grow. I have always pondered why a young girl will invest all her energy in a sector that doesn’t yield economically in Cameroon. Today, your story tells how much you love what you are doing. I am now convinced that you will go places with same determination. congrats
Great job Evita, I didn’t see u going this far. You’ve shown that hard work and only hard work alone can lead to success. You have all my blessings. May the sky be your stepping stone.
Dr Evita you inspired me every day with how you succeed despite how young and talented you are my almost dream was to development my roots I have learned from you that it’s not a day job to achieve does dream but hard work and endurance is what makes you the best thanks so much for your inspiration every day
Dear Evita I feel very motivate from reading your story. I will learn from your endurance. Thanks