Guyanese filmmaker comes home to share BET+ production with local audience

By Trina Williams
ON a quest to inspire young creatives, Guyanese cinematographer Yaphet Jackman, on December 26, screened his feature film that debuted on BET Plus, ‘Christmas for Sale’ at the Caribbean Cinemas in Giftland Mall. Subsequently, a “gyaff with the cinematographer” was hosted for people to engage him with questions or comments about the film.

The young boy from Bent Street has made a name for himself in filmmaking. Yaphet has evolved from being recognised as the “Upscale Poetry guy” to a Director of Photography on the “big screen.”

Bent Street Films, a media and consultancy production company that Yaphet started, is named after the area in Guyana where he was raised. He claimed that through that business, efforts have been made to integrate production labour and education, the latter of which is typically missing from programs intended to grow the local film industry.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Yaphet reflected on the obstacles he encountered on his path to becoming the well-known filmmaker he is today.
“From a little Bent Street boy saying ‘can you help me?’ to being this big director of photography is really a full circle moment for me, especially to sit and see the people who would have believed in me is something else,” Yaphet underlined. The event was made especially unforgettable with his aunt, who gave him his first camera, in the audience admiring his work.

“My mother told me when I was a little boy, that the Holy Spirit told her that she would see my name on the ‘big screen.’ It’s a full-circle moment for me. I did it for them. Even though my mother is not here, my grandmother is here and has seen my mother’s vision come through,” he said.

The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke to other persons close to Yaphet, who all expressed pride in seeing his work on the big screen. His wife, Nicole Jackman, voiced her extreme admiration for him. She added that she always applauded and commended her husband, regardless of how big or small his accomplishment may have been.

“I am always proud of Yaphet and his work,” Nicole said. “I celebrate all of his work… even the small ones. I am proud of my husband because he worked very hard for this and to see Guyanese come out and wholeheartedly support is astounding.”

Yaphet’s nursery school teacher, Valerie Lewis, told the Pepperpot Magazine that she spotted a lot of potential in him even at a young age and that his achievements are well justified.
Gale Doris further revealed to this publication that she was proud of Yaphet and his outstanding job and that she had known the Guyanese cinematographer since he was a young lad attending church.

‘Gyaffing with the Guyanese Cinematographer’

Yaphet chose the title “Gyaffing with the Guyanese Cinematographer” after the movie screening to make the segment intriguing and informative to all.
When asked about his reason for making the film, Yaphet admitted that although it was a Christmas movie, he is not a fan of the genre. The crowd then commended him for putting his best foot forward and achieving his first feature film.

While it was a shocker that Christmas for Sale was a low-budget film shot in the span of six days, this was not his only work which was being admired. Yaphet’s cinematography reel consisted of excerpts from certain areas in Guyana. The reel is the cinematographer’s calling card. It is quite often the first impression made on a would-be employer, be that of a producer or director. It offers a short window of time to demonstrate your skills, style, sensibility, experience and talent. Yaphet affirmed that he is extremely proud to be a Guyanese cinematographer and, thus, wanted to display his home, Guyana, to the world.

In response to a question on what direction he thinks Guyana is heading in and where persons from the theatre field fit in, Yaphet recalled what it was like growing up and seeing local actors on the screen.

Bent Street Films’ objective is to give back to the younger innovators who have set their eyes on making it on the big screen to display their talents. “So, the meaningful way that [Bent Street Films] is working on is truly creating workshops and educational opportunities.” This will give them a firsthand experience of learning and being in film, as well as the business and creative aspects of it, he explained.“Our dream has always been to bridge the gap.” Not many have the privilege of leaving their country to attend a professional school for filmmakers and Bent Street Films hopes to bring that privilege home. The Guyanese cinematographer emphasised that Bent Street Films wants to make a difference. Therefore, workshops offered will be three to five months long and cost-effective.

Yaphet also touched on actors finding themselves in response to a question about advice to local actors looking to step onto the international scene. He explained that the US film industry could be brutal, and thus, if you are trying to be someone you are not, it can take a toll on one’s mental health. Therefore, one should always stay true to themselves.

In a conversation with a third-year Communication Studies’ student from University of Guyana, Yaphet related to their spoken frustrations. The student expressed that she has endured a fair share of discouragement from many people who disagreed with her passion for the filmmaking field. Yaphet said that he, too, understands the “point and shoot” talk. He further stated that he learned to trust his gut when shooting and encouraged the young student not to give up.

Despite the success he has made for himself, Yaphet outlined that the Guyanese film industry cannot thrive on its own. It needs support from its people. Guyanese were encouraged to support the Timehri Film Festival along with the “592 challenge” which is making its grand return in 2023.