ABFF-SELECTED CAMEROONIAN DRAMA LIGHTS OUT MAKES LANDMARK AVANT-PREMIERE IN DOUALA, STARRING WALE OJO, ELIZABETH NGONGANG AND SYNDY EMADE
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Psychological Dementia Drama from the Team Behind Cameroon’s Oscar-Submitted Half Heaven Draws Industry and Press to Majestic Bessengue Ahead of ABFF Miami and Ohio Premieres
DOUALA, CAMEROON- According to Black Film Wire, LIGHTS OUT, the psychological drama addressing dementia through the lens of family, grief, and institutional neglect, held its Cameroon avant-premiere on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at Majestic Bessengue, one of the country’s newest and most strategically positioned cinema chains, with locations across Yaounde & Douala. The sold-out evening was produced by Check Sense Productions. It drew Cameroonian press, regional industry professionals, and an engaged public audience, confirming the film’s standing as one of the most significant African productions heading into the summer festival circuit.
A Film on the World Stage
LIGHTS OUT arrives at its domestic premiere with a strong international track record. The film has been selected for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami, one of just four international titles chosen for the programme, a rare distinction for a Cameroonian production. It previously screened at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), and the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF, 2025), where it received nominations across more than five categories, including Best Cinematography. It also competed at the ORION International Film Festival, where it was a Finalist for Best Feature Narrative Film.
Following ABFF Miami, the film’s international premiere tour continues with its U.S. East Coast premiere on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Center 24, Columbus, Ohio (777 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212).
About the Film
Produced by Carista Asonganyi (Producer and Executive Producer) and Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy), and directed by Enah Johnscott, whose previous credits include Half Heaven (Prime Video, Cameroon’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards) and The Fisherman’s Diary (Netflix) — LIGHTS OUT (87 min., DCP | English, Pidgin English, dubbed in French) follows Lucas, a retired security guard placed in a dementia care facility after becoming consumed by his daughter’s disappearance. As his memory deteriorates, he must determine whether he is losing his grip on reality or uncovering a truth others want buried.
Shot on location in Limbe, Cameroon, the film was produced under Check Sense Productions and BuhMerang Productions. In a revelation made during the morning press conference, co-producer Buh Melvin confirmed that the story was drawn from the producer Carista Asonganyi’s own family history, inspired by her grandmother’s mother’s experience with dementia.
The Cast
The film’s ensemble brings together some of the most respected performers working across Nollywood, Cameroon, and the British-Nigerian film space.
Wale Ojo (Lead, Lucas) is an award-winning British-Nigerian actor and one of the most decorated performers in contemporary African cinema. His accolades include multiple Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), among them Best Lead Actor in 2024 for Breath of Life, and an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Elizabeth Ngongang Wandji (Lead, Monica) is a veteran powerhouse of Cameroonian cinema with nearly two decades of screen experience and over 30 film and television credits, including the popular series Bad Angel. She received the Best Actress award at the LFC Awards and was inducted into the Cameroon Wall of Fame in April 2025. She appeared at the Douala premiere and participated in the post-screening Q&A.
Shaffy Bello (Supporting) is a Nollywood institution, bringing decades of dramatic experience to the ensemble. Her presence anchors the film’s emotional credibility within its institutional and familial settings. Bello was not in attendance at the Douala premiere.
Syndy Emade (Supporting) is one of the defining voices of Cameroon’s contemporary cinematic renaissance and a key bridge figure in the film’s pan-African identity. She was present at both the press conference and evening premiere, leading the post-screening conversation.
The full cast also includes: Libota MacDonald,Irene Nangi, Brenda Shey Elung and Sylvia Nchini Bright
From the Creative Team
“Through Lucas’s perspective, the film places the audience inside a mind struggling to hold onto reality, inviting empathy before judgment. What appears as conspiracy slowly reveals confusion reflecting the emotional truth of cognitive decline.” — Enah Johnscott, Director
“This film comes from lived experience and from observing families quietly navigating dementia without support. We approached the story with compassion rather than spectacle.” — Carista Asonganyi, Producer
“Lights Out is intended to spark conversations that move beyond fear and toward awareness and care.” — Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy), Writer/Co-Producer
Morning Press Conference: Dementia, Stigma, and the Science
Earlier on the day of the premiere, the production convened a press conference at Majestic Bessengue at 11:30 AM, moderated by Sahndra Fon Dufe, Founder of Black Film Wire and African Pictures International (API), the strategic communications and go to market lead on the project. Panelist introductions were handled by Nicole Tayo, Head of Operations for Check Sense Productions. In attendance were journalists and media representatives from DBS TV, Equinoxe TV, Guardian Post, Vision 4, Canal 2, Cathy Moukouri, Jour Elizabeth, and an online newspaper led by Eme, among others.
The panel comprised: Enah Johnscott (Director), Buh Melvin / Baba Proxy (Writer/Co-Producer), Delvis Takong (Director of Photography), Teboh Njei (Gaffer), Belvia Abinwi (Assistant Director), Nguh Stella (Mental and Behavioral Health Specialist), and Djeugoum Jean Pierre (Psychologist, sub-Directorate of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health).
Among the most substantive exchanges of the morning was the clarification of dementia’s clinical classification, a point that speaks directly to the film’s educational mission. Mental and Behavioral Health Specialist Nguh Stella was direct: dementia is not a mental illness. It is a neurological disease, characterised by memory loss and impairment of daily functioning, caused by physical damage to the brain, including the death of brain cells. While it can affect behaviour and cognition in ways that resemble psychiatric conditions, it is classified as a brain disease, not a psychiatric disorder.
On the distinction between mental health and mental illness, Nguh Stella offered the following:
“Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and plays a role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to specific conditions that impair mental health.” — Nguh Stella, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialist
On why dementia is feared, Nguh Stella’s response was plain: “People are often afraid of what they don’t understand. The lack of knowledge and awareness about dementia contributes to this fear.”
Djeugoum Jean, addressed questions about dementia data at Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health. However, the sensitisation campaign for this film is helping raise awareness among the population. The Ministry of Health has been working on this issue for the past three years, and we expect to see official statistics soon.”
The significance of the project was further contextualised during the conference: “Many families live in ignorance of what dementia is. It is not a mystical condition, it is a common neurological issue. The aim is to demystify and challenge the myths and misconceptions around this illness.” Assistant Director Belvia Abinwi, when asked about navigating the film industry as a woman, had a clear answer: “It’s exciting. Being a woman in film is no different from being a woman in any other profession.”
On wider distribution, Sahndra Fon Dufe confirmed that multiple strategic touchpoints are in place to ensure the film reaches audiences in cinemas across several countries as well as on digital platforms. “We’ve been working very hard over the last four months. The film has been chosen for ABFF — one of four international films in the programme and in a matter of weeks, we will be able to announce more.” Director Johnscott added that the audience should expect “an entertaining yet educational film.” Producer Asonganyi emphasised the team’s commitment to reaching audiences who need this story most: “We approached the story with compassion rather than spectacle.”
An Evening That Resonated
The evening screening began at 8:45 PM following welcome remarks and partner acknowledgements, with the 87-minute film holding the audience in rapt attention from start to finish.
As the story unfolded, smiles, gentle laughter, and quiet expressions of admiration reflected strong audience engagement. Emotional moments drew visible reactions, while the film’s climax heightened the energy in the room.
By the final frame, the theatre erupted into applause, a clear reflection of the film’s impact and the audience’s connection to the story.
The post-screening Q&A, hosted by Sahndra Fon Dufe, brought the cast and crew to the stage. Elizabeth Ngongang spoke about preparing for the role of Monica, a woman living with dementia: “It takes a lot of courage. I also lived with dementia patients, which inspired me even more.” On entering the industry, her advice was direct: “Forget money. Do your research, know what you want to do, and be very humble
Director Enah Johnscott spoke candidly about the emotional and logistical demands of the shoot, including one particularly intense scene filmed on a public road that drew the attention of police. “It was a very stressful scene,” he said, to audible laughter from the crowd.
Syndy Emade offered guidance for women in the industry: “Have a goal. Do a personal self-audit, ask yourself why you want to do it, and who you are. That’s what allows you to make the right choice.” She was also visibly elated to reflect on the significant role women are playing in shaping Cameroon’s contemporary film industry.
On where the story ends: when an audience member asked about the fate of Lucas and Monica, (characters in the film) director Johnscott was honest. “They were fading away, because dementia doesn’t get better.” The co-producer added that while no dedicated care homes for dementia patients currently exist in Cameroon, the film has inspired the team to work toward creating them. “The main message was to sensitise families and the broader population.”
What’s Next
LIGHTS OUT’s international premiere schedule is as follows:
✓ 31 May 2026 — U.S. East Coast Premiere, Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Center 24, Columbus, Ohio
✓ 1 June 2026 — Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan + select Pan-African territories
ABOUT LIGHTS OUT
LIGHTS OUT (87 min. | DCP | English, Pidgin English, dubbed in French) is a psychological drama directed by Enah Johnscott and written and produced by Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) and Carista Asonganyi under Check Sense Productions. Starring Wale Ojo, Elizabeth Ngongang Wandji, Shaffy Bello, Syndy Emade, Libota McDonald, Irene Nangi, and Brenda Shey Elung. Shot in Limbe, Cameroon. Festival credits: ABFF Miami (upcoming), SVAFF, Abuja International Film Festival (2025, 5+ nominations), ORION IFF (Best Feature Narrative Finalist).
ABOUT AFRICAN PICTURES INTERNATIONAL
African Pictures International (API) is a strategic communications firm focused on African film, culture, and storytelling. API is the strategic communications and premiere partner for the LIGHTS OUT 2026 international rollout. Founder: Sahndra Fon Dufe. www.africanpicturesinternational.com
PRESS CONTACTS
African Pictures International (all territories)
Phone: (+234) 704 928 0787 | +1 404 647 4952
Check Sense Productions
Carista Asonganyi, Founder & Producer
Phone: +1 (614) 344-6773 | (+237) 650 438 308
Cameroon press accreditation: WhatsApp +237 650 438 308
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