Biya Documentary: A Cinematic Portrait or Propaganda?

Broadcast on national television channels and unveiled at the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, the film aims to celebrate the achievements and leadership of President Paul Biya. However, its laudatory tone and selective narrative have left many questioning its objectivity.

The Cinematic Journey

The documentary weaves together real-life history, personal testimonies, and fictional elements to chronicle Paul Biya’s remarkable 42-year reign. From his victories to the trials he faced, the film paints a vivid portrait of the Cameroonian president. Voices from diverse segments of society—children to elites—share their perspectives on Biya’s leadership. Former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Mousonge, among others, lauds the president’s impact on Cameroon.

The Controversy Unleashed

Yet, controversy swirls around the film’s intent. Critics argue that it veers into propaganda territory, elevating Biya to heroic status. The omission of Cameroon’s endemic corruption and the concentration of power in the hands of a few casts a shadow over the celebratory narrative. At the apex stands President Biya, who has ruled with an iron fist for nearly 42 years.

The Neutrality Quandary

Is this documentary a cinematic portrait or a calculated political move? The glorification of the 91-year-old leader, who plans to seek another term, raises eyebrows. Neutrality hangs in the balance, and the film’s co-director, Cathy Meba, has even advocated for a Nobel Peace Prize for Biya. But can a film truly capture the nuances of a leader’s legacy without veering into hagiography?

The Divided Reception

As the documentary screens, Cameroon remains divided. Some hail it as a tribute to a statesman, while others decry its one-sidedness. The mixed reception underscores the nation’s persistent divisions regarding Biya’s reign. The long-serving president’s legacy is a tapestry woven with both triumphs and controversies—a complex narrative that defies easy categorization.

Conclusion

In the dimly lit theaters and living rooms where viewers watch this film, the question lingers: Is it a cinematic portrait or a political maneuver? As the credits roll, Cameroonians grapple with their own interpretations, each frame adding to the mosaic of a nation’s history.