Vicky Patterson De Nkenglack; The Cameroonian filmmaker who made waves at Afriff & other festivals around the world

Introduction

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Vicky Patterson De Nkenglack, a powerhouse talent and visionary in African cinema. Vicky isn’t just an actress; she’s a producer, director, and a passionate advocate for Francophone cinema from Black Africa. Her debut feature film, No Jugement, has already made a remarkable impact, captivating audiences and earning nominations at prestigious film festivals like the Festival International du Film Panafricain de Cannes, AAIFF in Rwanda, Écrans Noirs in Cameroon, and most recently, AFRIFF 2024 in Nigeria. Her mission to elevate Francophone African cinema and bring these unique stories to a global stage makes her an inspiration and a transformative force in the industry.

After receiving a standing ovation at AFRIFF and resounding praise for No Jugement, which captivated viewers despite the language barrier, Vicky continues to push the boundaries of African storytelling. Beyond her creative pursuits, she also runs a tech company focused on ERP solutions and app development. We’ll explore her journey, her challenges, and her grand vision for Francophone cinema.

Vicky, thank you for joining us!

Can you share your experience at AFRIFF 2024 and how the Nigerian audience responded to No Jugement? How did it feel to receive a standing ovation?

AFRIFF 2024 was a phenomenal experience. The standing ovation we received was truly humbling. Nigeria is known for its vibrant film culture, and having No Jugement resonate there meant a lot. It was a reminder that the emotions and themes in the film; no matter the language speak to shared human experiences. This reception reinforced my belief in the power of Francophone African stories to move and connect audiences globally.

No Jugement received high praise in Nigeria, despite being in French. What do you think made the film resonate so powerfully with audiences who may not speak the language?

I think it’s the universality of the themes: justice, forgiveness, and resilience. These are topics that touch everyone, regardless of language. Plus, the storytelling style and visuals aim to convey emotions in a way that transcends words. People connected with the heart of the story, and that was very gratifying.

You face challenges distributing a French-language film, with requests to dub it in English. Can you talk about the complexities involved in this, both creatively and financially?

Absolutely, dubbing or even subtitling requires additional resources, which can be quite costly, especially for an independent production. Creatively, there’s also the challenge of ensuring that dubbed voices capture the original emotion and authenticity. Despite these hurdles, we’re exploring ways to make the film more accessible, including grants or partnerships to support these efforts.

How do you plan to overcome the language barrier in Francophone African cinema to reach a wider global audience?

We’re exploring collaborations for high-quality dubbing and subtitling in multiple languages, but beyond that, I think the future lies in creating more bilingual productions or hybrid formats that incorporate both French and English. For Instance I have co-produced a proof of concept with a multiple time award wining Canadian Nigerian Angela Onuora where we had a french dialog that I had to say as an actress. By gradually building demand for Francophone films globally, I believe we’ll see more appetite and resources for these adaptations.

You have a clear mission to elevate Francophone African cinema on the global stage. What specific changes or advancements do you want to see for this industry in the next few years?

I would love to see more investment in Francophone film production and more distribution networks dedicated to these stories. We don`t have any Netflix or prime original as we don`t exist however we are nollywood or hollywood consumers. Another key advancement would be more accessible training programs for filmmakers in Francophone Africa, enabling a greater diversity of voices and stories to emerge.

How do you plan to make Francophone cinema as recognized as its counterparts in Nollywood or South African film?

I am focused on building strong partnerships across the African continent and internationally to elevate Francophone African cinema to new heights. Achieving this goal will require strategic collaborations, 0co-productions, and the placement of our unique stories on platforms that traditionally highlight Nollywood or South African content. By increasing the visibility of Francophone cinema, we can spark a demand for our narratives and cultivate a dedicated following.

During my time here, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with accomplished Nigerian creatives, including multi-talented professionals like Bello Olatunbosun. Bello, who brings remarkable expertise as a cinematographer, director, producer, and more, approached me after watching No Judgement and cast me in his next project, pending availability. His mastery in both artistic and business aspects of film is truly inspiring and showcases the power of collaboration in the African film industry.

This kind of cross-regional partnership is exactly what will strengthen the industry. For future projects, I am committed to including talented actors and creatives from Nigeria and beyond. Together, we can build a united front for African cinema that highlights Francophone stories alongside the successes of Nollywood and South African film.

No Jugement is your debut feature film, which you both produced and co-directed. Can you share some of the creative inspirations behind this film and what it was like balancing those dual roles?

It`s important to me to mention that No Judgment is my coming back film not my debut film as an actor after 10 years out of acting. Balancing the roles of producer and co-director was intense but rewarding. Creatively, I drew inspiration from stories of resilience and justice in my own community. Taking on both roles allowed me to have more creative and financial control, but it was also challenging as I had to manage both logistics and artistic direction. It was a balancing act but ultimately worthwhile.

What was the inspiration for this sort of story?

The story was inspired by true events that happened in Cameroon in 2000s. We wanted to portray the resilience of people who face injustice that period of time but not only, even people all over the world who face injustice daily yet continue to hope and push forward. No Jugement explores the complexity of forgiveness and redemption, themes that resonate deeply in African contexts where justice is often a long, hard road.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in making No Jugement, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was funding, especially for post-production and distribution. I had to do something crazy to fund No Judment in order to have such high quality results. Another challenge was navigating the logistical complexities of production, but we made it through with determination because we believe in this story. We know it can have a high impact on our mentalyties ans see some changes around us.

What would you say is your biggest joy for making this movie.

My biggest joy was seeing the impact it had on audiences and realizing that our efforts to tell this story had meaning beyond the screen. Knowing that people connect with the film’s message of resilience and justice makes all the challenges worthwhile.

You also run a company specializing in web and app development and ERP solutions. How do you balance your entrepreneurial pursuits with your career in film?

It’s a balancing act, but both fields fuel my creativity and passion for problem-solving. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated team, allowing me to dedicate time to each endeavor. The tech business gives me a stable foundation, while filmmaking is my creative outlet and mission.

Do you see any intersections between your tech work and filmmaking, perhaps in the areas of digital storytelling or media distribution?

Yes, absolutely. My tech background helps me approach storytelling with a data-driven mindset and an understanding of digital distribution channels. We’re experimenting with new ways to engage audiences online, which I think could open doors for Francophone African films in a digital world

Much of your work focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices. What stories do you feel are most pressing to tell in Francophone African cinema today?

We have a lot of authentic stories to tell and our stories need to be told by us. Stories of resilience, identity, and the diverse realities across Francophone Africa. There’s so much diversity in our cultures and experiences, yet many of these stories are underrepresented. Stories of young people, of women, and of communities navigating modern challenges are essential.

Who are some up-and-coming Francophone filmmakers or creatives that you believe deserve more recognition?

There are many! Names like Gabi Ngounou, Jules Eyango and Moussa Djigo come to mind. Their work is bold, innovative, and rooted in the reality of Francophone African life, yet they need platforms to reach wider audiences.

Who have been your greatest influences in the film industry, both within Africa and internationally?

  I draw inspiration from legends well known like James Cameron, Spielberg as well as modern innovators like Angela Onuora, Gabi Ngounou, Moussa Djigo, Genevieve Nnanji and more. Their commitment to storytelling and elevating African voices has shaped my vision.

What advice would you give to young Francophone creatives hoping to break into the film industry?

Be fearless and tell your unique stories, even when resources are limited. Collaborate, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The industry can be challenging, but there is a place for fresh voices with unique perspectives

After No Jugement, what other projects are you currently working on or dreaming about?

  I’m currently exploring a new project focused family secrets It’s still in early stages of development,but I am working on getting funds for that. We are also working on post production for our next feature. But I’m excited about pushing boundaries and creating stories that connect people across cultures.

As you expand your career in film, what legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of Francophone African filmmakers?

I hope to leave a legacy of authentic storytelling and a stronger foundation for Francophone African cinema. My vision is for future filmmakers to have the resources, platforms, and audiences that they deserve.

Thank you so much, Vicky, for sharing your journey and vision with us. We can’t wait to see where your passion and talent take you next!