Award-winning actor, Godisz Fungwa, makes Nollywood debut with hit movie, Crossed Paths.

The film, which premiered on the Stephanie Tum TV YouTube channel on April 16, has quickly gained traction, pulling in over 242,000 views and more than 2,600 comments as at midday April 19, and the numbers continue to climb.

Fungwa, widely recognised for his comic alter ego Richard, takes on a lead role in the Nigerian production alongside Angel Unigwe, Nosa Rex, Stephanie Tum and Emeka Okoye. 

Produced by Stephanie Tum, Crossed Paths tells the story of Daniel, a street-smart danfo bus conductor in Lagos, whose world collides with that of Zara, a corporate professional who is forced to board a public bus after her car breaks down en route to work. 

What begins as an inconvenient chance encounter evolves into something neither of them expected. The film navigates social perceptions, personal aspirations, and the complexities of a connection that defies class boundaries of a banker and a bus conductor of two different worlds but with one unexpected bond. 

The Cameroonian-Nigerian collaboration has drawn attention not only for its storyline but for the seamless manner in which Fungwa inhabits his character, speaking Nigerian Pidgin English and holding his own opposite established Nollywood names.

Viewer, Nchanji Bryce, described it as a beautifully genuine collaboration. Nchanji said the love story felt “so genuine and refreshing…Just pure connection without unnecessary drama”.

“This is definitely one of those films that reminds you that love doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful,” Nchanji wrote on Facebook.

The release comes just days before Fungwa is set to take on another major role as the official host of the Cameroon International Film Festival, CAMIFF, 2026, which begins on Monday, April 20.

Bag of talent, fans react

The response to Crossed Paths has been swift and warm, particularly from Cameroonian viewers who know Fungwa primarily through his comedy skits, where his character Richard is a staple of everyday humour. 

Seeing him in a full dramatic role opposite Nollywood heavyweights has prompted a wave of pride across social media and YouTube, where viewers highlight Fungwa’s performance as a standout.

On Facebook, Delaurez Delacruz Sanchez praised his progress, stating that: “I am extremely proud of you…this is just the beginning. You shall go places and reach higher heights.” 

Others echoed similar sentiments, with Arrey Stéphanie noting that “more great things are to come your way”, while Ngalim Hilda described the production simply as “well done”.

Several viewers pointed to his transition from comedy to a more serious role. Suarez Junior De Comedian remarked that: “I didn’t know Richard can be romantic like this”, while BM Mekeme described him as “a bag of talent”.

On YouTube, reactions reflected surprise at his range as an actor. Samkemjo Quinta commented that: “I never knew Richard could act like this”, while another viewer, identified as @godsownson, wrote that: “The guy that played the bus conductor is a very talented, and awesome actor… his acting skills was top notch.”

Meanwhile, Nanzi Nadia commended his shift in style, stating that: “Leaving from comedy to a classy act is hundred percent good job.”

Other viewers focused on the emotional impact of the story, with Poet NOA Inkman noting that: “The acting was so real and beautiful,” and Audrey noting the uniqueness of seeing the actor portray love in a serious role.

Godisz Fungwa: The man behind Richard

Born Suh Godisma Fungwa on November 13, 1995, in Bafut, Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon, Fungwa has been building towards this moment for the better part of a decade. 

His journey began at GBHS Bamenda, where he was already part of the school's theatre troupe and co-founded Noble Theater Arts Entertainment. Acting, by his own admission, was never a teenage phase — it was always a career.

After enrolling at the University of Buea in 2014, Fungwa quietly carved out a path in the industry, working behind the scenes as a production assistant with New Generation Entertainment on productions including Breach of Trust and A Man for the Weekend. 

Director and actor Nkanya Nkwai recognised his passion early, enrolling him in a training programme organised by Festival Ecran Noir in 2017.

By 2018, alongside colleagues Wilfred Planner, Konfor Lisette, and Franzel, he transitioned fully into acting and production through their Timeless Pictures production house, giving birth to skits, including the viral Pickpocket and the Richard web series, which has run from 2020 to the present.

It was the role of John in Saving Mbango, directed by Nkanya Nkwai, that announced him to the wider African screen industry. 

Today, Fungwa runs Godisz Fungwa Ltd, a production company through which he mentors young and aspiring filmmakers, with a stated mission of telling African stories from a Cameroonian perspective while addressing social issues and promoting artistic freedom. 

His filmography spans titles including The Fisherman's Diary, Behind Gates, PAOLO, Nganù, Ewusu, a Canal+ Original series and The Adventure of Thomas Season 1, in which he served as actor, producer, and director.

He is currently a brand influencer for Orange Cameroon and Njeiforbi Chick'n Burger, both since 2023.

Awards & recognition

For his role in Saving Mbango, he was named Best Actor at the New Breed Africa Foundation Awards in 2019, at Festival Ecrans Noir 2020, at the Abuja International Film Festival 2020, and at the Black Continental Independence Movie Awards 2020. 

He also received Best Actor recognition at the Daval Comedy Compex 2019 for Pickpocket.

More recently, he claimed the Best Content Creator award as his Richard character at the Cameroon International Film Festival 2024, and won Best Content Creator at the Cameroon Music Evolution Award 2024.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3766 of Monday April 20, 2026