Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22
It’s a kick-ass class. Young Guns 22 is topping the charts in creativity. But are you even surprised? Of course, not. If you’re new here, let me catch you up. Young Guns is a community of incredibly talented individuals – think amazing cinematographers, animators, illustrators, photographers, designers, and directors – and a new class of winners is chosen by an expert jury every year. This year we have 33 winners and among them, we have some very new, very exciting titles to unveil – an Architectural Designer, Composer, Stage & Show Designer, and Colorist.
We interviewed the winners so we could share their prowess with you. And if you’re a NYC local you can snag a ticket to the official YG22 Party at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, where you will have the chance to meet and greet them.
Young Guns continue to dominate the creative industry, so we’re happily presenting you with the kick-ass class of Young Guns 22.
MIKA ABERRA
Cinematographer, Mika Aberra Film AB
Based:
NEW YORK CITY
Hometown:
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
A director I’d worked with recommended me. I didn’t really have too much knowledge about Young Guns to be honest, but I learned very quickly through my friends that it is a big deal. I started digging into it a lot more after I won and now I can see what a beautiful little community it is.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
Super random honestly - I was always more of a jock and a student growing up. Something I never really felt was me at the core. Later on when I stopped playing football (soccer), I started to rebel against everything and everyone. It was like I understood what freedom could look like because I didn’t have to follow any strict regimen anymore. With that, I also met a very special person who became my best friend at the time - he introduced me to the creative field (still photography). Something I never even thought I could do. I was also going through a really stormy time of my life with my mother, dealing with a bi polar diagnosis, and in general just being a teenager photography became a northern star and a purpose to follow. Long story short, I started freelancing around 18, went full time by 21 (with both commercial and passion projects). And later on around age 25 I segwayed over to cinematography which is my biggest passion today and photography has switched to more of a hobby.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
It is my first time entering. A director chipped in a good word for me becasue he thought it would be a good opportunity. Honestly I didn’t overthink it. Very much a fun thing and just wanted to see where it could lead.
You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?
As a cinematographer my goal has always been to be versatile but also have a sense of clarity and sensibility. I always want to jump into really different projects with a factor of, oh, this looks like something Mika could’ve shot. So I think this was very much in the back of my head while choosing my submissions.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
I remember having a really tough day on set where nothing went the way I wanted it to, so I was quite gutted when I got home– then I got the news, called my girl, and was so over the moon. It put me in a space where I was able to see that it was actually a really good shooting day, I just wasn’t able to see it from the right angle or lens.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
I literally just moved to NYC a of couple weeks ago. It’s SO much energy. Ever since I visited NYC for the first time a year ago I’ve wanted to move here. It’s the drive of the city that inspires me. I’ve felt so connected energetically and spiritually since first visiting. The move is also a personal thing rather than a work thing. I just know NYC energy is going to push me so fucking hard to become stronger version of myself and lead with certainty and light.
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
Honestly I’m more interested in the current nominees. Mailis (YG22) is someone I look up to a lot and have been looking forward to meeting, so I’m crossing my fingers that she has also won and that we can finally sit down together.
“Mailis is someone I look up to a lot and have been looking forward to meeting, so I’m crossing my fingers that she has also won and that we can finally sit down together.”
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
I’ve always wanted to shoot a Denis Villeneuve film actually so I’m locking my eyes on that.
Will we see you at the YG22 party in NYC in November?
YES!
Come party with us and celebrate the class of Young Guns 22 on Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 PM, at Sony Hall in NYC!
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