Douala, Cameroon - February 27, 2025 - What does it mean to truly see? For Fotso Victor, vision isn’t about eyesight—it’s about resilience, purpose, and an unshakable will to thrive. And for Willy Noumo, it’s about the power of storytelling to make people stop, feel, and act.
Noumo, a journalist-turned-filmmaker, has spent years chasing stories that matter. But some stories don’t just need to be told—they demand to be felt. That’s exactly what Ta’a Fotso does. This gripping documentary follows Fotso Victor, a blind man from Bandjoun, Cameroon, who refuses to be defined by his disability. He runs a cafeteria. He crafts bamboo chairs. He farms. He leads. The world may see blindness as a limitation, but Fotso has rewritten that narrative.
From the Newsroom to the Camera: A Storyteller’s Evolution
For years, Noumo built his career in journalism, covering film festivals and producing programs that spotlight African cinema. But words alone weren’t enough. The stories he encountered needed faces, voices, and movement.
“Journalism lets me tell stories. Filmmaking lets me make you feel them,” says Noumo.
That passion led to Ta’a Fotso, a documentary that doesn’t just highlight Fotso Victor’s resilience—it challenges how people see ability, struggle, and perseverance.
The World Takes Notice
The world has been watching—and awarding. Ta’a Fotso has collected an impressive lineup of global accolades, including:
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Outstanding Achievement Award – Indian Independent Film Festival (2024)
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Best Short Documentary – Indie Short Film Festival (2023)
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Best International Short Documentary – Studio City International Film Festival (2023)
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Best Short Documentary – Bretagne Film Festival (2023)
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Jury Prize – Silicon Valley African Film Festival (2023)
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Best Short Film – Festival Handifilm (2023)
Even U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna took notice, awarding the film a special congressional certificate at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival.
Building the Future: The Launch of on7 Academy Arts and Sciences Association
Inspired by his journey and the impact of Ta’a Fotso, Noumo has launched the on7 Academy Arts and Sciences Association—a platform dedicated to nurturing and recognizing talent in Cameroonian cinema. The association will:
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Award achievements in the Cameroonian film industry to honor outstanding filmmakers and storytellers.
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Organize Master Classes to provide hands-on training for emerging filmmakers.
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Collaborate with international film festivals, opening doors for Cameroonian filmmakers to network, learn, and showcase their work on a global stage.
“This is more than an initiative—it’s a movement. We want to elevate Cameroonian cinema, create opportunities, and ensure our stories are heard worldwide,” says Noumo.
Support Ta’a Fotso
Awards are great, but Ta’a Fotso was never about trophies. It was about Fotso Victor and the people like him—the ones who fight every day to be seen. His organization, CERPHA (Cercle De Réhabilitation et de Promotion des Handicapés), is a lifeline for people with disabilities in Bandjoun.
Now, the world has a chance to give back. Watch Ta’a Fotso on Vimeo and donate to support Fotso Victor’s mission. Ta’ a Fotso will be showing in Marina Theater in San Francisco on March 22, 2025. Watch out for Noumo’s next documentary, titled Ebune, coming out by the end of this year.
About Willy Noumo
Willy Noumo is a journalist, filmmaker, and founder of on7 Academy Arts and Sciences Association, dedicated to elevating Cameroonian cinema. With a background in journalism covering major international film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival, Noumo has established himself as a key voice in African storytelling. Recently, he was granted official Oscars credentials for the upcoming ceremony on March 2, 2025—a milestone that solidifies his presence on the global stage.
Noumo transitioned into filmmaking to tell powerful, real-life stories, earning global recognition with his award-winning documentary Ta’a Fotso, which highlights resilience and social impact. Through on7 Academy Arts and Sciences Association, he champions film education, industry recognition, and international collaboration, offering master classes and networking opportunities with global film festivals. His mission is to empower African storytellers, celebrate excellence in cinema, and connect local talent to the world stage.
Media Contact
Company Name: 3R Productions
Contact Person: Willy Nuomo
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063884182687&mibextid=wwXIfr
