FEBRUARY NEWS

“I OF THE LENS” — UNIQUE EXHIBIT SHOWCASING BOTH THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL EXPRESSION OF A CINEMATOGRAPHER

IMAGO Camera, the world’s only analogue, large format camera designed for life-sized self-portraits, is set to captivate audiences with an extraordinary exhibition featuring stunning black and white portraits of cinematographers from across the globe. This groundbreaking display, curated by Vika Safrigina, producer and Susanna Kraus, the visionary artist behind IMAGO Camera, opened its doors in 18 February 2024, coinciding with the prestigious Berlinale International Film Festival.

The IMAGO Camera is a true interactive objet d’art and transcends traditional photography by allowing cinematographers to step into the spotlight and become authors of their own images. This unique walk-in camera was invented by the physicist Werner Kraus and artist Erhard Hoesle in 1972 in Munich, 20 years before the IMAGO federation was founded. As photographer and subject converge, each sitter transforms into the artist behind the lens, creating captivating self-portraits that reveal a unique perspective of themselves.

The exhibition will showcase the life-sized portraits of distinguished cinematographers such as Lawrence Sher ASC; Bojana Andric SAS; Teresa Medina AEC; Markus Forderer ASC; Martin Ruhe ASC; Balazs Bolygo BSC; Ashley Barron ACS; and many more. These awe-inspiring images will be accompanied by photography and still frames taken by each cinematographer, offering viewers a rare opportunity to connect with these visionary artists on both sides of the camera.

In partnership with IMAGO — International Federation of Cinematographers’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee, SUMOLIGHT lighting solutions, and Leitz Cine, the exhibition aims to celebrate the diversity of filmmakers who breathe life into the grand canvas of the movie screen. The display will inspire and empower the next generation of artists from all walks of life to pursue their dreams, encouraging all people to explore the beauty of photography and the joy of capturing their own portraits regardless of gender, nationality or background.

“This exhibition is a testament to the artistry and creativity of cinematographers, often unsung heroes behind the camera. The IMAGO Camera not only captures their essence through life-sized portraits but also allows them to become the authors of their own narrative. We are thrilled to partner with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of IMAGO Federation to bring this unique experience to the public,” says Vika Safrigina, the exhibition’s producer.

Don't miss the chance to witness this groundbreaking exhibition at IMAGO Studio in Berlin during Berlinale, as IMAGO Camera invites you to explore the intersection of art and cinematography like never before.

The exhibit is open by appointment until 31 March 2024.

Our Autumn/Winter 2023 issue is here!

Cinegirl Members are enjoying our brand-new Autumn/Winter 2023 issue, packed with fabulous, female-focused features including a spotlight article on the formidable stunt performer Abbi Collins (this issue’s cover star!).

Become a Cinegirl Member to get all the benefits of the Cinegirl community, including our print issues and fabulous events. You’ll make new, long-lasting connections with others making their mark in the industry, in a relaxed atmosphere.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

ON OSCARS NOMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT DAY, CAREY MULLIGAN DIVES INTO HER MASTERFUL MAESTRO PERFORMANCE AHEAD OF THIS YEAR'S OSCARS CEREMONY

With awards season in full swing and the 96th annual Academy Awards fast approaching, Cinegirl attended a special screening of the multi-Oscar-nominated Maestro at London's Soho Hotel, followed by a Q&A with Carey Mulligan, hosted by film critic and Girls On Film podcast host Anna Smith.

Amongst other things, Mulligan – nominated for Best Actress at this year's Oscars for her indomitable performance as Felicia Montealegre Bernstein – h delved into her extensive preparation for the role, which included a trip to Felicia's family home in Chile, and reflected on her experience working opposite Bradley Cooper.

You can hear the full Q&A with Carey Mulligan on the Girls On Film podcast here.

CINEGIRL @ BSC EXPO 2024

The annual photo on the steps at the BSC Expo, celebrating women in the film and TV industry.

Photo credit: @steadi.k

BFI DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES 7 JUNE 2024 UK AND IRELAND THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE FOR CANNES CRITICS’ WEEK OPENER ÀMA GLORIA

Acquired after its world premiere as the opening film of Cannes Critics’ Week 2023, and following its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, BFI Distribution announces that captivating French feature Àma Gloria (2023) directed by Marie Amachoukeli, will be released in UK and Ireland cinemas on 7 June 2024. A Lilies Films production, it is produced by Céline Sciamma’s regular producer Bénédicte Couvreur. The film was a big hit with audiences in France, quickly expanding on its initial cinema run. Following the UK theatrical release it will be available on BFI Player as a subscription exclusive from 22 July 2024.

Six-year-old Cléo (an exceptional performance by six-year-old Louise Mauroy-Panzani) loves her nanny Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego) more than anything. When Gloria suddenly has to return home to Cape Verde to look after her own children, Cléo makes her promise that they will see each other again very soon. Gloria invites Cléo to visit her and so the two have to make the most of their last summer together. Cléo finds Gloria’s young son César resents her being close to his mother, but this spirited, brave little girl with a megawatt smile is determined to fit in, whatever it takes. Consequently she begins to learn about growing up and becoming more independent.

A rising filmmaking talent, also skilled in animation, French writer/director Marie Amachoukeli won the Camera d’Or at Cannes for her first feature Party Girl (2014), co-directed by Claire Burger and Samuel Theis, which opened Un Certain Regard that year and had two César nominations. Her animated short I Want Pluto to be a Planet Again (2016), co-directed with Vladimir Mavounia-Kouka, won a César nomination in 2017. Segments of animation expressing Cléo’s emotions, which took a year to produce, beautifully enhance Àma Gloria, Amachoukeli’s solo debut as director. In 2020, as part of the Cannes Critics’ Week’s Next Step programme, she worked with British director Molly Manning Walker on the development of How To Have Sex. ÀMA GLORIA has been nominated for awards at film festivals including Zurich, Brussels and Thessaloniki. It recently screened in the Dublin Film Festival.