Cameroonian filmmaker Jean-Marie Tenot has announced his latest project – a cinema called La’a Lom, which he hopes will stimulate the creativity of young art lovers in the field of cinema. After spending 40 years making documentaries, Tenot wants to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.
Building on a Concept
La’a Lom is named after the forge in Tenot’s hometown of Banjun, which produced iron tools. After leaving Banjun, he studied in Yaoundé, became a teacher and then went to Europe to make films. He felt the need to pass his knowledge on to young aspiring filmmakers, so he started a residency in Banjoon Station in 2017. There were 17 films made in three editions, including 11 by women. But Tenot thought it would be better to make the residency permanent. He wants to create a structure that can bring together all the films and archives of the work of his colleagues. He started construction on La’a Lom, which will open in Banjoon and will function with participatory financing.
A Hub for Training
La’a Lom will be a space for art residencies, seminars and training workshops. The library and media library will document African cinema and documentary film, and anyone can use it to organize a training workshop in any profession. Many craftsmen have knowledge that they can pass on to the younger generation. Tenot believes the center will contribute to society by preserving and promoting African culture through cinema.
Tenot’s La’a Lom project is an exciting development for the Cameroonian film industry. By providing a permanent space for art residencies and a documentation center, it will be a hub for the training and preservation of African cinema. It will also create opportunities for young aspiring filmmakers to develop their skills and showcase their work. Tenot’s 40 years of experience in documentary filmmaking will be a valuable resource for all who visit La’a Lom.
