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!
