Meet Akina Van de Velde | Cinematographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Akina Van de Velde and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Akina, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The end goal is such an interesting thought in the field of cinematography- or the arts in general. I imagine everyone has their own image of what that looks like, but I’m sure when you’re achieve it, there will be another goal post to reach. If I’m lucky and privileged to achieve my current end goal, it would look like a body of work that is filled with stories that made an impact, images that are thought provoking, the respect and recognition of my peers, and an invitation to the ASC.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got into cinematography by way of photography, which is probably pretty common. I used to love shooting my classic AE1 in high school and learned to develop my film. In college, I also studied film right at the last vestiges of dark rooms halfway through the transition to digital so always have a deep love for the color and texture of film that is hard to reproduce. With that, I think mostly of light in terms of my cinematography- as a guiding force of what is exposed and what we are able to see in each frame.
But to backtrack a bit- I got into film in general really as a means to cope with the extensive traveling my family did when I was growing up. With immigrant parents that came from Belgium and China respectively- I spent a lot of my childhood between the two continents, living in several different countries due to my dad’s job. This I think is really the root of my love for photography- there would be many times in a new place or school where I didn’t speak the language and learning to communicate with other cultures and customs allowed me to see the similarities and commonalities between people are much greater than our differences. Photography is the perfect example of that- an image can be universally related and recognized due to our commonalities, and can transcend language itself.
Cinematography then, is itself an extension of that. In storytelling, the visual language is universally recognizable and hopefully does transcend language. I hope to be able to continue to work on stories that are underrepresented, untold and to create empathy in the world in aspects that are differences are too great to communicate with language alone. As the world politically divides itself, and more and more the sprawling web of disinformation exists around us, we must continue to find ways to communicate with people who are different than us- to bridge the gap and coexist together in the world. To come full circle, the passion I have in images as a child as a tool to communicate is precisely the same methodology I would like to use to create images and stories that garner empathy, understanding and a different perspective that allows discourse in a divisive world.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live on the west side mostly because of my love of the beach- so any friends coming would have to get dragged on the kayak or paddle board with me. We could grab lunch at my favorite dive- Hinano in Venice, then we’d probably get into the water. After that we’d go for dinner in Koreatown- maybe MDK or Parks. Another one of my favorite places to eat is the SGV and getting dim sum. Appolonias for pizza, Baja California tacos for fish or shrimp tacos, Sawtelle for some great Japanese food. ADB is just a fun spot that I love that has some fun sweets. Mostly we’d be eating from morning to night.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents- whose encouragement, support and guidance have always led the way to where I am today.
Website: www.akinavan.com
Instagram: @akinavan
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
