The 30th installment of the renowned Camerimage Film Festival, Europe’s preeminent celebration of cinematography, is set to host a dazzling array of notable figures in the picturesque Polish town of Torun. Among the luminaries gracing the event are Adam Driver, Sean Penn, and Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In the spotlight, Driver and Penn will present their latest cinematic offerings: “Ferrari,” a high-energy biopic, and “Superpower,” a captivating portrayal of Eastern Europe’s exceptional wartime president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Camerimage enthusiasts are well aware that the film schedule is just as vital to peruse as the panel discussions, seminars, and masterclasses. This is because, due to limited event space, Camerimage strategically arranges filmmaker discussions immediately following film screenings, often within the confines of the Jordanki cinema space.
On opening night, after the screening of “Poor Things,” a visually arresting Frankenstein-inspired fairy tale lensed by Robbie Ryan and starring Emma Stone, the audience will have the unique opportunity to engage the cinematographer himself on the intricacies of his work. Similarly, at the following day’s screening of Pablo Larraín’s dark fantasy centered around the life of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, “El Conde,” attendees will hear from the two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Ed Lachman, all in the same venue.
Linus Sandgren, the cinematographer behind “Saltburn,” a black comedy directed by Emerald Fennell, will also share insights on the filming process within the walls of Jordanki.
Moreover, in lecture halls, various panels will tackle the most pressing concerns in the world of cinematography. According to festival organizer Kazik Suwala, some discussions will delve into the realm of AI, while others will address broader issues such as the significance of film culture centers. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer will share insights garnered from the expansive AMPAS museum project in Los Angeles, touching on the issue of dwindling audience attention spans and strategies for creating multi-engagement experiences within a single venue.
Camerimage is already taking steps in this direction, as Suwala reveals, with ongoing investments and the development of the European Film Center, designed to align with Kramer’s vision.
To further inspire the emerging filmmakers attending Camerimage, the festival will welcome guests like Rebecca Miller, a multifaceted artist and director, and Floria Sigismondi, a distinguished figure in the realm of music videos, an area that has long been honored at the festival with competitive awards.
The thought-provoking director Jeff Gibbs, known for his climate change documentary “Planet of the Humans,” released on YouTube and produced by Michael Moore, will offer his wisdom, urging filmmakers to break free from traditional genre conventions and create work that can reach millions and potentially change the world. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Biziou will share insights drawn from a career spanning iconic films like “Bugsy Malone,” “Pink Floyd – The Wall,” and “Truman Show.”
The festival also anticipates captivating talks by luminaries such as Walter Murch, renowned for his editing work on “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” and sound design contributions to “Apocalypse Now.” In addition, events hosted by camera manufacturers, lighting experts, and filmmaking technology companies will ensure that cinematographers of all backgrounds are up to date with the latest advancements in their field.
