Nicole Bongkiyung, Raising star in Cameroon Movie Industry
By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Nicole Bongkiyung, a talented actress from the Nso community in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, is quickly capturing the attention of the country’s film industry. Juggling her studies in agriculture at the University of Bamenda with a flourishing acting career, Nicole’s story is one of determination and a deep-seated passion for the arts.
Her journey into acting wasn’t a sudden decision, but a natural progression from her love of writing. Nicole began by creating her own stories, driven by a desire to one day use her art to inspire and make a positive impact. She took her first step into the world of professional acting by joining a local movie house, where she received training and immersed herself in the business of showbiz. This foundation gave her the tools and confidence to pursue her dreams on screen.
Despite the hurdles she has faced, including a persistent battle with self-doubt, Nicole finds her motivation in the small but dedicated fan base she has cultivated. She admits that the internal struggle of feeling “not good enough” can be challenging, but the appreciation and encouragement from her supporters are powerful forces that keep her moving forward. Their feedback on how her work impacts their lives serves as a constant reminder of her purpose.
The actress’s work is uniquely shaped by the ongoing crisis in the Northwest Region. The conflict presents significant logistical hurdles for filmmakers. “Mostly we have to travel out of the town so we can be able to shoot a movie without disturbances,” Nicole explained. This has forced her and her colleagues to adapt, finding creative ways to manage situations and work around inaccessible locations that would have otherwise been ideal for certain scenes.
Nicole’s creative process is as unique as her journey. She believes in authenticity and a natural “flow” when portraying a character. Instead of meticulously preparing for a role or imitating others, she focuses on being real; bringing an unscripted sincerity to her performances that resonates with audiences.
With a thriving career in the film industry, Nicole has starred in a number of notable films, including Njambo, Second Wind, Hamidou, and Justicia.
Beyond the camera, Nicole is a person of many talents. She works as an animal technician, a beauty technician, and a video vixen, embracing a wide range of professional pursuits. Her multifaceted life is a testament to her ambitious spirit and her ability to excel in diverse fields.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Nicole offers a simple but powerful message: “hard work, consistency, focus, determination, and most importantly patience.” She emphasizes that the path to success is a process and advises young talents not to rush their journey. As she continues to build her career, Nicole promises her growing audience nothing less than “good content, impactful ones” that stay true to her mission of making a difference through art.