The curtain is about to rise on one of the most highly anticipated cinematic events of the year. Lights Out, a haunting and emotionally charged mystery drama, will make its world premiere on April 18, 2026, at Majestic Cinema, Bessengue, Douala, an occasion already being hailed as a defining moment for Cameroonian cinema on the global stage.
Crafted with meticulous artistry, Lights Out is written by Proxy Buh Melvin and masterfully directed by Enah Johnscott. The film is produced under Check Sense Productions by Carista Asonganyi, with Proxy Buh Melvin also serving as co-producer. Together, they deliver a spellbinding narrative that promises to linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits roll.
At the heart of the story lies Lucas, portrayed with gripping intensity by veteran actor Wale Ojo. An elderly man mysteriously admitted into the Anone Dementia Care Foundation, Lucas finds himself trapped in a shadowy world where reality blurs, memories fracture, and every face hides a secret. Within these walls, nothing is as it seems, and the deeper he searches for truth, the more unsettling the revelations become.
The film boasts a stellar pan-African ensemble cast, featuring powerhouse performances from Shaffy Bello, Syndy Emade, Ngongang Elizabeth, and Libota MacDonald. Each actor brings depth, nuance, and magnetic screen presence, elevating the story into a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
With its eerie atmosphere, layered storytelling, and psychological tension, Lights Out delves into profound themes of memory, identity, and the delicate boundaries of human care. It is a suspense-laden journey that masterfully intertwines emotion with mystery, keeping viewers on edge from beginning to end.
Beyond its cinematic brilliance, Lights Out arrives at a crucial time.
Dementia, an often overlooked and misunderstood health condition, continues to affect countless individuals and families across Africa and the world. The film courageously shines a spotlight on this growing concern, transforming entertainment into a powerful vehicle for awareness and dialogue.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch, audiences across Cameroon and beyond are eagerly awaiting this landmark premiere. Lights Out is not just a film, it is an experience, a conversation starter, and a bold step forward for African storytelling on the world stage.
The film has already gained international recognition, with screenings at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival and the ORION International Film Festival, where it was named a finalist for Best Feature Narrative. It also earned multiple nominations at the 2025 Abuja International Film Festival.
The premiere tour begins on April 18 in Douala, Cameroon, before expanding to Abidjan on May 1 for a wider Pan-African release. The U.S. premiere is scheduled for May 2 in Columbus, Ohio. Cast members and producers are expected to attend the events.
Shot in Limbe, Cameroon, Lights Out is being praised for its socially conscious storytelling and its effort to spark conversation around aging, memory loss, and care systems in African societies.
Producers say the film is rooted in lived experiences and aims to move conversations beyond fear toward empathy and awareness.
The project is supported by African Pictures International, with additional distribution partnerships currently open as the film prepares for a broader global rollout.
On April 18, 2026, in the heart of Douala, the lights will dim… and a powerful story will finally come to life.
“Through Lucas’s perspective, the audience is placed inside a mind struggling to hold onto reality, inviting empathy before judgment” – Enah Johnscott, Director.
“This story comes from lived experience and from observing families quietly navigating dementia without support.”- Carista Asonganyi, Producer
“Lights Out aims to spark conversations that move beyond fear toward awareness and care”, – Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy), Writer/Co-Producer.
By Doc Moore
