Paul René Roestad, FNF has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to IMAGO, both through his formal leadership and through his continuing active engagement in the Federation.
Roestad served as IMAGO General Secretary from 2003 to 2008, a period of important structural development for the organization. During these years, IMAGO strengthened its organizational foundation, expanded its committee work, and developed a more active structure for addressing the artistic, technical and professional questions facing cinematographers internationally. The IMAGO committee system was established during this period, helping create dedicated arenas for work in areas such as technology, authorship, education and working conditions.
He was elected President of IMAGO in 2015, during the General Assembly in Jerusalem, the first IAGA held outside Europe. His presidency, from 2015 to 2020, was marked by a clear ambition to broaden IMAGO’s international reach and reinforce its role as a meeting place for cinematographers’ societies around the world. Several societies joined IMAGO, including societies from Chile, Hong Kong, Peru, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela, further strengthening the Federation’s foundation.
A significant milestone of Roestad’s presidency was the first IMAGO International Awards for Cinematography, held in Helsinki in 2017. Produced in close collaboration with the Finnish Society of Cinematographers, the Awards became a landmark event in IMAGO’s history. They gave international visibility to cinematography across feature film, television drama and documentary, and celebrated cinematographers through recognition by their peers.
Roestad also played a central role in developing the FNF/IMAGO Oslo Digital Cinema Conference. The conference became an important arena for exchange between cinematographers, manufacturers, educators and film professionals, reflecting his belief that IMAGO should not only represent cinematographers, but also create spaces where knowledge and experience can be shared across borders.
Roestad remains active in IMAGO today, including through the Working Conditions and Authorship Committees. His work continues to reflect a deep commitment to the rights, recognition, education and professional dignity of cinematographers.
Through his years as General Secretary, President, committee member and trusted colleague, Paul René Roestad, FNF has helped shape IMAGO’s modern identity and strengthen its international voice.
