Overflowing Crowds Celebrate 'Rio Dos Camaroes' in Paris

**Paris, France** — For Antoine Ledoux, the seasoned Director of Cinema Saint André des Arts in Paris's 6th arrondissement, the fervor surrounding the European premiere of "Rio Dos Camaroes" was unprecedented.

With two decades in the French film industry, Ledoux had never witnessed such excitement, with attendees sitting on the floor to watch the screening.

### An Unprecedented Turnout

The modestly sized Salle 3 could not contain the crowd that gathered for this exceptional event. As Paris buzzed with Olympic energy, the premiere of "Rio Dos Camaroes" drew Cameroonians from across France, Berlin, and Montreal. They came to celebrate the film, which showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Cameroon, particularly the Sawa people.

### A Grand Occasion

The special nature of the event called for a significant effort from the NGONDO section in France, led by Hervé Dika Din. They mobilized a large contingent of NGONDO women and the broader Sawa community across Europe. 

### A Royal Guest

The highlight of the evening was the presence of His Royal Highness Jean Yves Eboumbou Douala Manga Bell, Chief of the Bell Canton. He made a special trip from Cameroon, staying just 72 hours for this cultural celebration. In the heart of Paris, near the Louvre and a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame Cathedral, a traditional parade graced the main street of the 6th arrondissement. The procession, featuring the rhythms of Mikeng and Mbaka, led King Bell into the cinema with grandeur. Even the French security forces, heavily deployed due to the Olympics, were enthralled by the vibrant display of Sawa culture.

### An Enthralling Experience

Despite the cramped conditions, with spectators sitting on the floor, standing, or leaning against walls for over two and a half hours, the audience’s enjoyment was palpable. Among them were Colonel Edouard Etonde Ekote, representatives from the Cameroonian Embassy in France, and leaders of Cameroonian communities in France, who all lost track of time during the film.

### Celebrating Cultural Cinema

Patrick Epape, the impressive director of the documentary, was visibly moved, his eyes glistening with joy and happiness. The event was a resounding success for Francis Bérenger Mendjiengoue of the French association "Viens voir les Films en Salle de cinéma," whose project, supported by the Olympic Games, received backing from the NGONDO Foundation and its General Coordinator, Georges Dooh-Collins.

### Next Steps

Following its triumphant Paris premiere, "Rio Dos Camaroes" is set to be screened on November 26 in Douala as part of the NGONDO 2024 festivities, promising to continue its journey of celebrating Cameroonian heritage and culture.