Within the vibrant tapestry of the Nguon Festival — a centuries-old Bamoun cultural celebration — one of its most emblematic events is the election of Miss Nguon. More than a beauty pageant, this tradition honors the embodiment of ancestral feminine virtues: grace, humility, wisdom, and cultural rootedness.

For the 548th edition in 2020, I was commissioned to produce a video that would capture the essence of this sacred ritual. The creative challenge was to visually narrate the evolving lineage of Miss Nguon — each bearer of the crown a custodian of values passed down through generations. By weaving together archival clips, transitional sequences, and a symbolic staging of the crown’s passage, the video served as a living tribute to Bamoun womanhood.

The final act of the piece was an open call for the next Miss Nguon — a gesture that not only invited participation but also reinforced the importance of youth engagement in cultural preservation. The production was deeply rooted in storytelling, reflecting the philosophical core of the festival’s 2020 theme: Nguon as the core foundation of youth knowledge renewal for sustainability and visibility of our cultures and traditions.

This project stands as one of my most meaningful works — a rare moment where tradition, emotion, and audiovisual craft aligned to honor a living heritage and inspire the next generation.

Other NGUON production