Discovering Humanity Through the Lens

Starting his career as a director of photography on documentaries, NAN was able to fine-tune his keen eye for intimacy and emotion. “Being a DOP means being at the heart of the action, feeling close to the characters and their emotions,” NAN explains. He tells me about his preference for handheld cameras and short focal lengths, and how this allows him to capture moments with a palpable sense of closeness, a technique that seamlessly translates into his directorial work. “The position of the camera, depending on what you want to convey, is crucial.”

I quickly pick up on how this background in cinematography has instilled in him a meticulous approach to visual storytelling, where each camera position is chosen with the utmost precision to convey the desired emotion. 

Few directors manage to capture the raw essence of humanity as seamlessly as NAN. The French director’s diverse body of work - spanning commercials, documentaries, and fiction - reflects a profound sensitivity and instinct that breathe life into every frame. From dynamic campaigns for Nike and McDonalds, to deeply impactful documentaries like 'Tomorrow Is Gonna Be OK', NAN’s distinctive approach blends elegance with authenticity, crafting stories that resonate deeply with audiences across genres.

His diverse portfolio demonstrates dexterous filmmaking capabilities. “Each genre has its lessons,” he notes. “And there are bridges between each genre that help me be more precise and, above all, more truthful.” Documentaries have taught him the value of restraint and delicacy, while commercials have honed his appreciation for cinematography as a storytelling tool. These experiences converge in his fiction projects, enriching his narratives with a unique blend of visual precision and emotional depth. 

Having long harboured a passion for capturing the community-driven spirit of skateboarding, one of NAN’s most poignant works, 'Tomorrow Is Gonna Be OK', merges his love of the recreational sport with his commitment to social impact. 

The documentary follows Jerry and Patty, community champions in East LA who use skateboarding to uplift underprivileged youth. When discussing what drew him to their story, I learn that NAN’s connection to this project is deeply personal. His parents, both educators, instilled in him a passion for education and second chances. Their passing during the filming added a profound layer of significance to the project. “I see everything I do for this community as a continuation of my parents' legacy,” NAN reflects. This project not only highlighted Jerry and Patty’s incredible work but also helped fund educational initiatives and skateboarding infrastructure, demonstrating how film can be a powerful tool for community support.

Closely involved with The Garage skate shop in East LA, NAN has collaborated with the community on numerous film projects and charity events. In doing so, he continues to witness firsthand how storytelling can drive positive change. He tells me how this has underscored his belief in film's potential to serve communities. “Making this film allowed Jerry and Patty to be heard, all thanks to a humble tool: my camera,” he says. This experience has shaped his understanding of community engagement, proving that film can be a catalyst for social impact.

NAN’s passion for social causes extends to other passion projects like 'Nevaeh' and 'Skate 4 Education' which reflect his dedication to themes of education, second chances, and community which encapsulate the encounters and affinities that motivate his creative choices. Hopeful that his projects inspire others to use their own tools—whether film or otherwise—he is passionate about the creation of meaningful work which contributes to the community. For him, it’s all about messages of hope and encouraging people to live together harmoniously.

NAN tells me how he is currently venturing into new territory with an upcoming fiction project set in Chinatown, NYC. Drawing inspiration from 90s Hong Kong cinema, this is another deeply personal project that sees him reflecting on his experiences growing up in Paris’s Chinatown and, later, immersing himself in New York’s Vietnamese community. “This feature film project is intimately tied to all those years and experiences,” NAN reveals. By shooting in Super 16mm and using real people and real locations, he aims to blur the lines between reality and fiction, continuing his tradition of authenticity and emotional depth. 

Comedy, a recent focus in NAN’s work, marks a significant shift from his earlier projects. “I’ve always been drawn to comedy,” NAN admits. “It’s a breath of fresh air and a logical continuation of my work.” With this new direction, he explores the nuances of dialogue, body language, and performance, integrating humour into his filmmaking while maintaining his signature style of authenticity and emotional resonance.

In discussing his work, NAN expresses a deep love for everyday people and their stories. “The challenge of each project is to bring out the humanity of the characters by conveying their emotions through a cinematographic image," he says. "No matter the subjects, the main thing is the soul."

Driven by his desire to capture humanity at its most authentic, NAN's ability to balance elegance with authenticity fostering a filmmaking style that is both poetic and profoundly human.

As NAN continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, his work remains a testament to the power of film to connect, inspire, and impact communities. His journey from shooting homemade skateboarding videos in Paris to crafting profound documentaries and innovative fiction is a testament to his dedication and artistry. 

“The themes that drive me are education, second chances, transmission and family. All of them are conveyed through disciplines I love, skateboarding, music, cooking, motorcycling, dancing... and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to combine all this together being a director.” For NAN, every project is an opportunity to explore the depths of human emotion and to share those discoveries with the world.