Jacques Kam

Jacques Kam

The Architect in the Shadows,

a Pillar of African Cinema

By Faustin André Cédric Kissi Koua

In the glare of spotlights and the pageantry of red carpets, attention naturally turns to directors, actors, and screenwriters. Yet away from the cameras—far from applause—works a central figure without whom no film could ever be made: the general production manager (chief location manager). A true architect in the shadows, he is the quiet guarantor of a shoot’s success.

In Burkina Faso—an emblematic land of African cinema and the birthplace of FESPACO—this role finds one of its most distinguished representatives in Jacques Kam.

Jacques Kam – Personal Photo Collection

The Invisible Profession That Makes Cinema Possible

General production management is an art of anticipation and precision. It demands extraordinary logistical intelligence, an ability to solve the unforeseeable, and unwavering endurance. Administrative permits, transportation, crew accommodation, security, time management, and human coordination: everything rests on this key function.

But beyond logistics, the general production manager is also the guardian of human balance—the one who sustains team morale and shields the director’s artistic vision from the hazards of reality.

With more than twenty-two years of experience, Jacques Kam embodies professional rigor at the highest level. His career commands respect through its consistency, discipline, and acute sense of responsibility. Whether on ambitious TV series such as De plus en plus loin (Farther and Farther Away) or on demanding feature films, his presence on set is synonymous with calm efficiency and reliability.

A Lasting Impact on West African Cinema

Jacques Kam’s influence on Burkinabè and West African cinema is deep and enduring. He stands at the crossroads of budget constraints and artistic demands, translating creative vision into a controlled, workable reality.

Notable productions such as Une femme pas comme les autres (2009), La beauté trompeuse (2019), and Le sermon des prophètes (2022) all bear the mark of his discreet yet decisive professionalism.

Aware of the importance of passing knowledge on, Jacques Kam has also committed himself to training the next generation, sharing his expertise through workshops in general production management. Through this work, he actively contributes to the sustainability and structuring of technical film professions across Africa.

Jacques Kam – Personal Photo Collection

Well-Deserved Recognition for Work Done in the Shadows

Invisible professions are rarely celebrated. Yet in December 2024, Jacques Kam received a historic recognition that honors both the man and the profession.

He first received the LFC Special AWARD “Profession of the Shadows”, a powerful symbolic distinction dedicated to those who make cinema possible without ever standing in the spotlight.

A week later, the Burkinabè state awarded him the Knight’s Medal of the Order of Merit, officially acknowledging his essential contribution to the nation’s cultural life.

These honors go beyond individual recognition: they pay tribute to an entire community of behind-the-scenes workers—silent artisans without whom no camera would ever roll.

Selected Filmography — General Production Manager

• Le sermon des prophètes (2022) — Feature film

• La beauté trompeuse (2019) — Feature film

• Une femme pas comme les autres (2009) — Feature film

• Amour sans frontières (2008) — Feature film

• De plus en plus loin — TV series

🎓 Trainer in General Production Management — Over 22 years of professional experience

Trainer in General Production Management — Over 22 years of professional experience

A Legacy Written in the Smooth Flow of Film Shoots

Jacques Kam’s story is one of passion turned into vital expertise. It reminds us of a fundamental truth: cinema is a collective endeavor, and light cannot exist without the strength of shadow.

His legacy is measured not only in end credits, but in the smooth running of hundreds of shooting days, in the success of complex projects, and in the training of new generations of professionals.

Jacques Kam is not merely a production coordinator. He is the guarantor of peace on set—the silent strategist who defuses crises before they even arise. In that sense, he stands—without question—as one of the greatest general production managers African cinema has ever known.

Article for the Cinearts Diamont blog

Jacques Kam – Personal Photo Collection