By Marie N.Carnu
Stephanie Tum, a shining star in the Cameroon film industry, is making waves with her talent, dedication, and versatility.
The award-winning actress, producer, and CEO of Embi Productions continues to elevate Cameroon’s movie industry while expanding her influence across Africa.
She has produced critically acclaimed films like “Planters Plantation” and “Saving Mbango” and starred as the lead in “When the Levees Broke” by Musing Derick, a film with over 25 awards to its name.
Her role in “When the Levees Broke” has cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with, both in Cameroon and beyond.
Her achievements reached a crescendo at the 2024 Sotigui Awards in Burkina Faso on the 16 November, where she earned three nominations for her performance in, “When the Levees Broke”.
The nominations include Sotigui for Best Actor Central Africa, Sotigui of the African Public, and the prestigious Golden Sotigui.
Stephanie walked away with two wins: Sotigui D’or (Golden Sotigui) and Best Actor Central Africa.
Overcome with emotion, she expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech.
“I was working in the oil and gas field for eight years, and I left my job to do this. Today, after 10 years, one movie changed my life. This is the eleventh award I’m winning for this movie… thank you to my director, Musing Derick.”
Her tears of joy and heartfelt words inspired many, highlighting the rewards of perseverance and passion.
Stephanie wasn’t the only Cameroonian to shine at the Sotigui Awards. Ebenezer Kepombia (Mintoumba) won the Sotigui Icon award, and Muriel Blanche won Sotigui for Best Hope Female Interpretation in an African TV Show.
Together, they made Cameroon proud on an international stage.
Beyond her acting accolades, Stephanie continues to thrive in various capacities. She was honored as a jury member for the 2024 Écrans Noirs in Yaounde and as a panelist at the Africa International Film Festival in Lagos, Nigeria.
These roles reflect her growing influence in shaping African cinema.
Additionally, Stephanie has been collaborating with renowned Nollywood and Ghanaian actors like Majid Michel, Omoni Oboli, and Kunle Remi, further expanding her acting career with appearances in Nigerian films such as “Married to Myself”, “Love, Style, and Other Things”, and “Married to the Geng”.
As an actress, producer, and philanthropist, Stephanie Tum’s impact transcends entertainment.
Through her Embi Charity Foundation, she leads initiatives like “Girls and Hygiene,” which combats menstrual poverty, and “Break the Stigma,” which raises awareness about mental health.
Her advocacy work complements her creative endeavors, positioning her as a role model for young women across Africa.
Stephanie encourages aspiring actors to stay committed to their dreams.
With her expanding portfolio, groundbreaking achievements, and passion, Stephanie Tum is an inspiration to many, proving that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary success.