Emerging Voice, Fearless Vision: Yohann Kamto's Creative Ascent - Part 3

By Oluwayemisi Mafe
Photo of Film Co-op ED Tony Merzetti and member Yohann Kamto

13. What film projects are you currently working on? What stories are you most excited to tell right now?

Yohann: Currently, I’m editing the 10-minute film I shot last month. It’s about a serial killer finding love. It’s bloody, but primarily focused on the romance and comedy aspects. My main character is at odds with society, and although he may be different, he seeks a partner for himself. That’s the story I’m most compelled to tell right now.

14. Looking back, is there a particular project you’re most proud of? What made it special to you?

Yohann: There are a couple of projects that I’m happy with to a certain degree, but I’m not fully proud of them. I’m hard on myself. They were good in the moment, they were okay. Every project is a pathway for me to improve; I continue moving forward.

15. How do you choose your themes or characters—what draws you to a story enough to dedicate months of your life to it?

Yohann: Usually, the story comes first to me, but it’s the characters that drive my story forward. I strive to create and develop characters who are charismatic, funny, or enigmatic. I like characters that keep you wondering why they do what they do. Their back story is essential.

16. Where do you see yourself in the next few years, creatively or career-wise? Are there any dream collaborators or goals on the horizon?

Yohann: Collaborators on the horizon, for sure. I always have big goals and strive for them, but I never know what the future holds. I want to be a writer, screenwriter, poet, and novelist. Currently, my focus is on screenwriting. I would also like to stay involved in film in any capacity and get paid for it. I would also love to get some more film projects of my own out there. I’m writing a couple of stories and poems that I would like to get published or turned into films.

17. What role do you think young creatives like yourself play in shaping the future of film in New Brunswick and beyond?

Yohann: New Brunswick is impressive compared to other provinces. The young people who are here are the future of the province. The way our mentors taught us about creativity and film has a substantial impact on what we’re doing. I think we have great people willing to help us out, and we are fortunate. The NB Film Co-op is always there for me, guiding and helping me to succeed.

18. If you could write a letter to your younger creative self, what would it say?

Yohann: I firmly believed that the path I took helped my creativity. It may take longer to get to where I need to go, and that’s okay. Those years were necessary in my creative journey. I would say to my younger self, “Don’t rush.” I’m a very impatient person. I don’t like to wait, I want to do it when I want to do it. “Take your time, learn as much as you can. Take more classes.”

Emerging Voice, Fearless Vision: Yohann Kamto’s Creative Ascent - Part 2

By Oluwayemisi Mafe

Photo of Film Co-op ED Tony Merzetti and member Yohann Kamto

In this issue of the NBFC Weekly E-news, we spotlight a rising creative force in the New Brunswick film community: NB Film Co-op member Yohann Kamto. A multidisciplinary storyteller with a penchant for tackling society’s complexities through humour, emotion, and imagery, Yohann’s journey from high school poetry to producing and directing original films is a testament to talent forged through persistence, mentorship, and the courage to dive in headfirst.

Through the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund’s provincial Mentorship Program, an internship with Strike Pictures, and academic training at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Yohann has been cultivating a unique voice, one rooted in experimentation and resilience. In this candid interview, Yohann reflects on navigating creative breakthroughs, lessons from cramped film sets, and what it really means to “just give it a shot.”

Whether you’re a fellow student, a member filmmaker, an aspiring creative in the community, or a future JL applicant or Film Co-op member, Yohann’s story will both inspire and energize you.

From frozen poetry to blood-splattered rom-coms, Yohann Kamto is shaping New Brunswick’s creative landscape one bold script at a time. Dive into his story in this week’s NBFC Weekly E-news interview.

6. Can you share a bit about a specific school project or moment that affirmed your path as a filmmaker?

Yohann: My most recent project. There was another film I did before that, but my most recent one was a film that I received a grant from the NB Film Co-op for. I was the director, writer, and producer on it. It was a great experience that showed me that I want to continue making films and telling my stories.

7. Congratulations on being part of the 2024 JL Mentorship Engagement Program! What drew you to apply, and how has the experience shaped you as a creative?

Yohann: I was looking for more. My life was all about school. My classes were mainly theoretical, and I needed more hands-on film experiences, so I started discussing my concerns with my teachers. It was a teacher at UNB who recommended that I apply to participate in the program. Initially, I wanted it for writing because I was more focused on writing at that point, specifically creative writing. I also didn’t feel like I had enough experience yet to undertake a film mentorship. Luckily for me, Thandiwe McCarthy chose to be my mentor, and it was a great experience. It was one of the pivotal moments in my career. My mentor taught me how to improve my writing and poetry, but more importantly, he taught me how to make a living from my art and how to write grants, allowing me to pursue the projects I wanted to undertake. I’m very grateful to him for that.

8. Mentorship can be a powerful force. What have you learned from your mentor through the program that has impacted your journey?

Yohann: Do you know the saying? “Give it a shot.” I would say that’s probably the most important thing I have learned from my mentor. It’s okay if it doesn’t work out, but you have to do it. That’s powerful because I received other creative opportunities by incorporating that new belief into my life.

9. What advice would you give to other emerging filmmakers considering applying to the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund for a grant or seeking mentorship?

Yohann: Use your time wisely and ask your mentor questions. Ask why they do the things they do, even if it seems insignificant. Often, they do things that are successful automatically, and that could be a key creative step that you are missing in your creative toolbox.

10. You’ve had some exciting placements with film companies. Could you tell us about those experiences and what you learned from them?

Yohann: I’ve worked with several film companies. I learned how to utilize a location space and position it to achieve the desired look. These internships helped develop my creativity, as well as small things like bringing an extra clip or tape to set to make the minor adjustments that are often needed. Additionally, I learned how to produce a script within budget constraints.

11. What was it like stepping into a professional film environment for the first time? Any memorable moments or“aha” learnings from the set?

Yohann: My aha moment came when I realized how small film sets can be. There are numerous people on set, each with a specific role to play. It's crucial to remain very quiet once the camera and sound start rolling. If any noise is made, the sound recordist will ask everyone to be silent. Ultimately, I had a lot of fun during the experience, which reassured me that this is the right path and career for me.

12. Were there any unexpected challenges, and how did you navigate them creatively or professionally?

Yohann: There are time-based challenges to consider when making a film. Many people assume that the process is quick, but that’s not the case. Once you get into the editing room, you often find yourself debating various aspects with others. For me, collaborating with others and being deeply involved in a project can be quite challenging. For instance, during the editing of a 10-minute project, it took us three hours just to agree on one scene! It's crucial to learn how to step back and appreciate perspectives beyond your own. We needed to figure out how to collaborate, reach agreements, and compromise. There are people in your creative network—like the Film Co-op staff and members—whom you can turn to for support, and that’s really what it’s all about. All these experiences have taught me a great deal.

NB Film Co-op ED/UNB film teacher Tony Merzetti and NBFC member filmmaker Yohann Kamto

Emerging Voice, Fearless Vision: Yohann Kamto's Creative Ascent - Part 1

By Oluwayemisi Mafe

In this issue of the NBFC Weekly E-news, we spotlight a rising creative force in the New Brunswick film community: NB Film Co-op member Yohann Kamto. A multidisciplinary storyteller with a penchant for tackling society's complexities through humour, emotion, and imagery, Yohann's journey from high school poetry to producing and directing original films is a testament to talent forged through persistence, mentorship, and the courage to dive in headfirst.

Through the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund's provincial Mentorship Program, an internship with Strike Pictures, and academic training at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Yohann has been cultivating a unique voice, one rooted in experimentation and resilience. In this candid interview, Yohann reflects on navigating creative breakthroughs, lessons from cramped film sets, and what it really means to "just give it a shot."

Whether you're a fellow student, a member filmmaker, an aspiring creative in the community, or a future JL applicant or Film Co-op member, Yohann's story will both inspire and energize you.

From frozen poetry to blood-splattered rom-coms, Yohann Kamto is shaping New Brunswick's creative landscape one bold script at a time. Dive into his story in this week's NBFC Weekly E-news interview.

1. Let's start from the beginning: when did you first realize that film and storytelling were your passions?

Yohann: My passion for film and storytelling solidified during my last year of high school, influenced by the boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift towards creative writing. Current societal issues influence my comedic writing style. Mentors, including Tony Merzetti, helped me refine my writing and gain a deeper understanding of the film community.

2. Who or what has influenced your creative voice the most? Are there filmmakers, movements, or life experiences that shaped your vision?

Yohann: I don't have someone in particular that inspired me in the film industry. However, there are many things I like that influence my writing style. I enjoy writing about everyday issues affecting this generation and society. I write in a comedic way, adding my own creativity to it.

I'm fortunate to have had several mentors. My one-on-one mentor (Thandiwe Mccarthy) during the nine months of the 2024 JL Mentorship Engagement Program helped me with my poetry, my writing in general, and some grants, and then there was Strike Pictures (Gordon, Lance, and Arianna. The talented trio taught me a great deal about the film industry.I'm grateful to all these people and organizations, including the Film Co-op.

3. Your work often blends strong visuals with deep emotional themes. How do you approach the storytelling process?

Yohann: The storytelling itself is a driving force behind my writing, whether it's poetry, screenwriting, or short stories. I utilize emotional connections in visuals. Especially with poetry, I find it easier for the reader to share my emotional state when reading my work by combining an emotion with an image. I have a poem called Old Sun, and it's about being closed off and then becoming open through the sun. I combine that emotion of being completely closed off with the image of frozen water during winter, which everyone can picture. And then, through that, I'm able to include other things that come with water. For example, when you think about water, you think about waves, wind, and beaches. That's the way I approach it. I will close off like frozen water; how do I become open? The sun melts the ice, and it flows and ebbs, becoming waves; that's what life is like. The water then engulfs you, and you're turned around; you don't know where you are anymore.

4. You've been actively honing your craft during your time in school. How has your academic journey supported or inspired your filmmaking?

Yohann: It isn't easy to put into words the impact UNB has had on my career. As I mentioned, I first realized my passion for writing in high school. My university time has been crucial for me because it first introduced me to the film industry. I received valuable networking opportunities through internships with Strike Pictures, which taught me how to apply what I learned at UNB in a real-life film setting, including screenplay formatting, set etiquette, and other relevant skills.

At UNB, the teachers were so willing to help and hear me out. I would go to them and seek advice, and they connected me to others. It was through my film teacher, Tony Merzetti, that I  met Cat LeBlanc, who works at the NB Film Co-op, where Tony is also the long-time Executive Director. This ongoing support motivated me to pursue more film-related experiences outside of school, and that's how I received additional opportunities.

5. How did you balance school life with creative projects? Were there any breakthroughs or lessons that came from that experience?

Yohann: During my first two years at UNB, I was more focused on school. Thanks to what I learned, I am now confident in my time management skills. I know what to prioritize, when to do it, and how long it will take to finish any given project. My time at UNB provided me with beneficial life skills, but it was also challenging and frustrating, as I often missed out on opportunities outside of school due to the need to study and attend classes. However, the school structure teaches you toughness, strength, and organization. It was hard but worth it.

END OF PART ONE, STAY TUNED!

Call for Artists: Cellulose Mentorship Program

Handmade Film Collective Program
 
The Cellulose Mentorship Program takes place on Unama’kik (Cape Breton Island) in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. 

What: A week-long outdoor mentorship program for emerging film and fibre artists.

Seeking: Six emerging artists; three film artists and three fibre artists, wishing to incorporate plant-based techniques into their art practices. Participants must reside in Atlantic Canada and will be selected by a jury.

Extended Deadline: June 6th, 2023 at midnight ADT
Dates for Mentorship: Aug 20-26th 2023 

Fees: There are no registration fees. Participants will receive an $800 artist fee. 

Submit Here: https://forms.gle/S6s8qnM7NsHUxaJQ8

Submissions Guidelines
Letter of Intent (250 words or 5 min. audio/video file) indicating why you wish to attend the program
Project Idea (250 words or 5 min. audio/video file) describing an idea, project or plant you would like to engage with during the program. 
Artist CV (or 250 words or 5 min. audio/video file) describing your experience with film or fibre arts
Up to 10 images of your work (textile artists) or 5 min. of footage of your work (film artists)

More Details:
Program Description: The Cellulose Mentorship Program is a seven day immersive mentorship program that takes place on Unama’kik (Cape Breton Island) on a property adjacent to the Margaree River Wilderness Area, Inverness County. The program focuses on the theme of cellulose -  reflecting on plants from a conceptual lens, the origins of analogue film, and cellulose fibre. Through the study of this theme, we encourage artists to thread together the mediums of film, fibre, and plants with their own spin.

This program supports six emerging artists - three textile artist participants and three film artist participants. Throughout the week, artists will participate in six plant-based workshops taught by three textile artist mentors and three film artist mentors. Emerging artists will work alongside mentors learning how plants can be used to enhance the sustainability of their respective creative practices.

The program consists of hands-on plant-based workshops, hikes, foraging expeditions, plant identification, collaborative discourse, and independent creation time. Emerging artists will have the chance to engage with their project idea through a supportive learning environment.

Films workshops include How to Operate a Bolex, Plant-Based Developers, Phytography (i.e. plant prints on film) and Tinting Film. Textile workshops include Scouring and Mordanting, Natural Dyes, and Botanical-Printing (i.e. plant prints on fabric). 

Materials: Film and fabric will be provided, however should artists wish to bring additional  materials they are welcome to. 

Location: The Cellulose Mentorship Program takes place in the Margaree Valley in rural Unama’kik (Cape Breton), which borders three wilderness protected areas including the Margaree River Wilderness Area. 

Accommodation: Participating artists and mentors will be camping on site. Should participants not have their own camping gear, camping gear will be provided. Please indicate on the application form whether you require camping gear or rain gear.

Outdoor living conditions: The entirety of the week’s program takes place outdoors and off grid to allow artists to immerse themselves more fully in the landscape in which they will be working. All artists on site should expect camping, pit toilets, studio, darkroom and dining  tents, potable spring water for drinking, bathing in the chilly river or using a camp solar shower. There is limited cell service and we would recommend unplugging for the week if possible to take time in nature. Participants should be prepared to work and live outdoors in the elements.

Meals: Three catered meals a day, including snacks will be provided. Please indicate any food sensitivities or allergies on the application form.

Accessibility: The camping and studio area is 400m from the parking area. The trail includes a dirt road, field of tall grass and a narrow wooded area next to a pond that sometimes is muddy. The camp site and studio tent is located on a flat dry field near the forest overlooking the pond. We will make every effort to accommodate artists with accessibility needs, but cannot change the terrain of the landscape. Should participants have mobility or other accessibility needs, please inform us on the application form so we can best address and meet those needs. Childcare will be provided should the need arise. 

Transportation: There will be a free shuttle from Halifax to the property in Cape Breton on the morning of Sunday August 20th. The shuttle will drive participants back to Halifax the afternoon of Saturday August 26th. Participants can also choose to take their own vehicle or carpool.

The Handmade Film Collective gratefully acknowledged the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.