Cameroon: The Coming Out Of The Nkuta

In 1972, nearly 12 years after declaring national independence, a law came into effect in Cameroon, which made homosexuality a criminal offence that could be punished by up to five years in prison. In 2006, the local tabloid press published a list of 50 people from the upper echelons of society who were "suspected of homosexuality". This list also included half the members of the government. This was a shock for society. Until that time, public opinion had been clear on this taboo subject: No homosexuals existed in Cameroon! Local people explain to the camera that this "behaviour" was imported by Europeans and that homosexuals can expect to be ostracised by their family and community. This atmosphere is the backdrop to this film, in which we watch the tireless lawyer Alice Nkom, her client Lambert, and five representatives of the young homosexual community, including the activist Nathalie, who wants to open a bar where people can meet regardless of their sexual orientation. This informally shot movie follows the protagonists in routine situations and at moments of heightened emotion. With infectious optimism, Alice fights tirelessly on several fronts - she battles the judiciary for the abolishment of a law that contradicts the constitution, and she stands up for the rights of individual defendants. At the same time, she is one of just a handful of people who is actively trying to tear down the deeply engrained stereotypes of Cameroon's conservative society. (One World)