Whistler Film Festival Filmmaker Interview: Janice Mingas on WHEN THE NIGHT HAS COME
When The Night Has Come sheds light on the dangerous reality of systemic racism and police brutality. It tells the story of Matt, a young Black man whose life is forever changed after he is stopped by the police for an identity check.
Jennifer Merin: What your film is about — both in story and theme?
Janice Mingas: A young Black man’s life is forever changed after he is stopped by the police for an identity check.
Merin: How is your film stylistically distinctive?
Mingas: My film has poetry as an inspiration. I studied film, literature and painting and I wanted to show these influences in the framing and composition.
Merin: How and why did you encounter and commit to the subject/theme of your film and to the main characters in it?
Mingas: I have two brothers, two Black brothers. It was important to me to make a statement about the threat that they’ll be facing their entire lives.
Merin: What did you learn about the subject/theme from making the film?
Mingas: I learned how to trust my teams, and this project reinforced my need to tell stories about minorities.
Merin: What were your biggest challenges in making the film?
Mingas: A producer quit on the project a few weeks before going to picture. Her family included two police officers and it was hard for her to understand our message.
Merin: What are your plans for the future?
Mingas: I want to direct more, and tell more stories. I like to think that When The Night Has Come is only the beginning of my career.
Merin: What advice do you have for other female Filmmakers who are trying to make their way through a still male-dominated industry?
Mingas: Your voice is important, and we need to hear more of your stories. Keep writing, ignore the people who tell you “no” and keep surrounding yourself with believers: those who believe in you and inspire you.
About Janice Mingas:
Janice Mingas Ngouama is a French director, writer, and producer based in Vancouver, Canada. After studying literature for two years, Janice studied Cinematic Arts and Technology at Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, France. Afterward, she furthered her studies in Film Production in California and finally in Vancouver, where she resides today. When The Night Has Come is Janice’s short film debut, shedding light on the dangerous reality of systemic racism and police brutality. Janice believes that film is a method of creative expression and storytelling that is capable of changing parts of our world. With her passion and storytelling skills, she aspires to tell the stories that need to be heard and contribute to greater change.