Whispers

When this film received several nominations at the first edition of SONAH awards and bagging some awards too, my curiosity was triggered and I knew I would find no peace till I had my hands and eyes on producer Arthur Iyok's Whispers. As the film begins, the first thing that grips your attention is the obvious and undeniable high picture quality, at the first couple of shots, picture composition, camera movements director Enah Johnscott affirms Anglophone Cameroonians are beginning to sit up as far as film production is concerned. Though seemingly 'banal' the cinematography reeks of an attempt at stylistic  directorial and a subjective perspective which is evident in the rhythm and pace conditioned by the films' editing. There are laudable special effects to garnish the paraphernalia of technological savvy-ness amongst Anglophone film technicians even though I thought it unnecessary in certain areas. The background score and sound effects are commendable, same as dialogue sound capturing where the echoes were barely noticeable and ambient sounds were balanced admirably. The slayer factor however alights at the level of the narration and the story, which doused somewhat the technically commendable rendition of a very current topic or subject matter. The story and concept on which it was based I felt was not amply exploited consequently I found the story and screenplay unfortunately very weak plagued with unnecessary scenes. The acting wavered between a mixture of good, not so good, plastic, over acting  and downright bad. Nevertheless, ,  is worth the watch if for nothing but the quality and some directorial sense of style and technique which is a novelty in Anglophone films.

Synopsis

In a nutshell the film is about young people avid for success who sell their souls and loved ones for money. This wealth comes with dire and inhumane conditions which they must comply to robbing them of all the peace and joy the money was supposed to procure. What I appreciate about the story nevertheless is the approach of  the unfortunately popular trend of "Live Rich Die Young" amongst youths from the consequences, not just showcasing the wealth and its attributes but the sorrow and pain that accompanied the choices made by the characters.

Let me hear your views on the film.