At the 45th Manaki Brothers International Cinematography Festival, the “I of The Lens” exhibition, hosted by IMAGO Camera, was a remarkable success. The exhibition, co-sponsored by IMAGO Federation, SUMOLIGHT, and Leitz Cine, celebrated the personal journeys and artistic visions of cinematographers from around the world, capturing their unique perspectives through striking portraits. @imagocamera

“I of The Lens” was conceived by Vika Safrigina, producer and curator of the exhibition and Susanna Kraus the artist behind the IMAGO camera to provide a deeply personal view of cinematographers as both artists and storytellers. The idea behind the exhibition stems from the desire to humanize and celebrate the people behind the camera, who often work in the shadows to create breathtaking visuals that shape cinematic experiences.

The exhibition featured captivating portraits of renowned cinematographers, few were present: Claire Pijman,NSC, Bojana Andric, SAS, Elisa Lannacone, Alice Brooks, ASC, Fabian Wagner, ASC, BSC, and Birgit Gudjonsdottir, each standing proudly next to their respective IMAGO portraits. Their presence at the exhibition, along with discussions about their work, added a personal touch to the event and enriched the festival experience.

The response from attendees and industry professionals alike was overwhelmingly positive. Visitors were not only moved by the intimacy of the portraits but also gained deeper insight into the personal and professional lives of some of the most influential figures in cinematography today. This exhibition further strengthened IMAGO Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s role in promoting the art and craft of cinematography, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect among the global cinematography community.

In partnership with SUMOLIGHT and Leitz Cine, this exhibition was a visually and emotionally powerful tribute to the unsung heroes behind the lens, making it one of the standout highlights of the festival.