For Yanga Ngam, storytelling began with a spark—one ignited in the heart of a community drama group. As a young performer, he thrived in the art of improvisation, crafting characters inspired by the vibrant personalities around him. It was raw, authentic, and exhilarating, and it introduced him to the thrill of both acting and directing. Those early experiences didn’t just inspire him, they ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling.
The next chapter of Yanga’s journey unfolded with a performing arts company, where he spent three transformative years. Here, he mastered the art of balancing creativity with technical precision, performing on stage as an actor while working behind the scenes with lights and sound. This dual role gave him an invaluable foundation in storytelling mechanics, shaping the meticulous approach he would bring to every project in the years ahead.
In 2013, Yanga took a bold step toward his dream, enrolling at City Varsity to study Cinematography. Yanga’s unrelenting drive propelled him forward from late-night shoots to challenging projects. By the time he graduated, he had excelled academically and earned the prestigious title of ‘Best Director of Photography’ in his class.
Yanga’s journey into the professional film industry took a pivotal turn when he completed his training at The SA Film Academy. The Academy provided him with the mentorship and real-world experience needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Here, he refined his craft, built lasting industry connections, and solidified his passion for visual storytelling.
Understanding that light is one of the most powerful tools in visual storytelling, Yanga dove headfirst into the lighting department. He learned to master every element, from the warmth of tungsten to the crisp clarity of LEDs. By mastering its nuances, Yanga honed his ability to craft mood, emotion, and depth in every scene he worked on.
His dedication and curiosity eventually led him to groundbreaking LED technology, positioning him at the forefront of innovation in South African filmmaking. Today, Yanga is one of only four Dimmer Operators in the country, expertly wielding cutting-edge tech that simplifies and enhances the lighting process. This role has opened doors to major international productions, including projects for HBO, BBC Studios, ABC, Stars Entertainment, Film Afrika, and Moonlighting.
Through it all, Yanga has never lost sight of his ultimate dream: to become a leading cinematographer. His years as a Spark, LED Technician, and Dimmer Operator have shaped not only his technical expertise but also his artistic vision. “I’ve never lost sight of my passion,” he reflects. “Every light, every frame—it’s all about serving the story.”
From his beginnings in community theater to his work on international productions, Yanga’s journey has been one of relentless growth, innovation, and storytelling. With his unique blend of technical mastery and artistic vision, he continues to transform light into magic, illuminating the stories that need to be told. For Yanga, every frame is an opportunity to create something extraordinary—and he’s just getting started.
