Marceline © Reinout van den Bergh — *Marceline* © Reinout van den Bergh

By Shanel Thompson

Eboundja is a photography project by Reinout van den Bergh that captures the lives of villagers in a small fishing village in the south of Cameroon as they undergo drastic changes. Many Chinese immigrants were lured into the area by the presence of iron ore, and, in exchange, they are constructing a deep-sea harbour less than ten kilometers from the village boundaries.

The story follows Papa Benoît, an older gentleman who lived in the village with his wife. Benoît and Van den Bergh shared a friendship that grew with each of Van den Bergh’s visits to the tiny village. Much of his photography focuses on the simplicity of the day-to-day life of the villagers as their physical and mental landscapes are reshaped to accommodate the impending start of industrialization in Eboundja.

Bachirou © Reinout van den Bergh — *Bachirou* © Reinout van den Bergh

Emmanuel © Reinout van den Bergh — *Emmanuel* © Reinout van den Bergh

“I developed a strong bond with several of the residents,” writes Van Den Bergh, “most notably with Papa Benoît. He was a little out of tune in the village. His appearance was somewhat aristocratic. He spoke a beautiful French and was always well-dressed: hat, shirt, and trousers.”

The plans to construct the harbor were made possible by Chinese investment agencies and were supported by the Cameroon government. As the Chinese began construction in 2009, the villagers were greeted not only with the prospect of great adjustments but, also, the stark realization that they had little say in the events unfolding around them.

Van Den Bergh was as captivated with the physical changes as he was with the people. Much of his photography shows dusty roads, trees being cleared away and dusty lots bereft of foliage.

(right) Papa Benoît © Reinout van den Bergh (left) Untitled © Reinout van den Bergh — (right) *Papa Benoît* © Reinout van den Bergh
(left) *Untitled* © Reinout van den Bergh

“I have been a witness to how fast the formerly isolated village was overtaken by the outside world,” Van Der Bergh writes. “Electricity came, as did television sets and cell phones. I saw infrastructure expand and hotels being built. Almost every day, loud bangs were heard from dynamite explosions in the nearby quarry, where construction materials were being extracted.”

Van Den Bergh’s photographic journey through Eboundja reads like a personal journal of sadness, love, change and hope. Through his crisp and stunning visuals, you are immersed in the world of the villagers. His viewers are transported to Eboundja on a warm night with Arlette during the centennial celebration of the return of exile. They can feel the affection between Apollinaire and Suzanne as they sit together in their bedroom. They can smell the salt-tinged air and feel the wind as Marceline lounges on a rock as the waves crash on the shore, and they can feel the bond of friendship as he captures Papa Benoît in his home.

Albert © Reinout van den Bergh — *Albert* © Reinout van den Bergh

Serge © Reinout van den Bergh — *Serge* © Reinout van den Bergh

“In all, I have come to Eboundja seven times, each time staying a little more than a month. And, with every visit, my love for the village grew.” writes Van Den Bergh.

Reinout Van Den Bergh captures the essence of the small town of Eboundja. His work is a reflection of the people: humans on the cusp of the change, clinging to old ways while trying to adapt and flourish in the midst of a transformation that brings much uncertainty.

You can purchase Eboundja here, and view more of Reinout van den Bergh’s work here