Cinematography Spotlight 2025 Cinematographers
Meet the 2025 AFI Conservatory Cinematography Graduates
The AFI Conservatory presents a spotlight of the extraordinary visual storytelling talent’s of this year’s Cinematography class. Click on a fellow headshot to see their bio, contact information and film.
www.johnalbrecht.tv/ | jalbrecht9@gmail.com | IG: @ciggiesmalls | 308.293.3715
John Albrecht is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles with a background in narrative and experimental filmmaking. He grew up in Nebraska, where he studied theater and film. His industry experience includes working as a visual artist on commercial projects for directors such as David Fincher, Coralie Fargeat, and Joseph Kosinski.
John Albrecht
www.ryanalva.com | ryan.w.alva@gmail.com | IG: @ryanalva | 925.330.4248
Ryan Alva is a cinematographer born and largely raised (excluding some formative years in New Jersey) in the San Francisco Bay Area. After beginning his cinematography journey at Northwestern University, his work preceding his time at the American Film Institute ranges from fashion films to narrative to music videos. Now a nine-year tenant of this city (nearly a local!) he is looking forward to the future collaborations that await following graduation.
Ryan Alva
www.willowbidwell.com/ | willowbidwell@gmail.com | IG: @willow_bidwell | 747.256.9668
Willow Bidwell is an up- and- coming cinematographer who will graduate with her Masters from American Film Institute in August 2025. In 2022, she was selected to join the prestigious female group of cinematographers, the Illuminatrix Rising in London. WillowBidwell ‘s goal is to create work that touches and leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. She strives to evoke deep emotions, immersing audiences in different worlds and experiences. She enjoys exploring the inner worlds of characters, and expressing complex relationships through images. She is interested in stories which connect us to each other and to the world around us, and which encourage us to see life differently.
Willow Bidwell
adambirch.tv | contact@adambirch.tv | IG: @adam_birch | 330.285.8857
Adam Birch is a cinematographer drawn to emotional, intimate imagery centered around the human experience. Born and raised in rural Ohio, he’s been expressing himself through image-making from a young age. Adam’s work has screened at film festivals across the world such as Cannes Lions, Santa Barbara, Aspen, Outfest, and Atlanta.
Adam Birch
www.dianadahllund.com | dianadahllund@gmail.com | IG: @diana_dahllund | 626.786.4408
Diana Dahllund is a cinematographer from Finland, currently based in California. Having spent much of her life in the multicultural city of Durban, she brings a unique perspective and a strong sense of empathy to her storytelling – often leaning into the absurd and the authentic to create emotionally resonant work. Since 2014, Dahllund has worked as a cinematographer, camera operator and camera assistant in both professional and student settings. Her work as a cinematographer includes narrative shorts, documentaries and commercials throughout Finland, South Africa and the U.S. When she’s not on set, she’s usually in a forest or switching up her hair.
Diana Dahllund
www.dandebrey.com | dan.debrey@gmail.com | IG: @dandebrey | 217.725.7686
Dan Debrey is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles and New York City. Prior to his studies at American Film Institute, Dan worked in lighting department on features such as Barry Jenkins’ IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (2018) and Aaron Schimberg’s CHAINED FOR LIFE (2018). His cinematography debut was Scott Friend’s TO THE MOON (2022), which won finishing grants from the Polish Film Institute and screened worldwide. He has an ongoing collaboration with electronic duo Boy Harsher and shot their visual album The Runner (2022) which is streaming now on Shudder. He is drawn to narratives that explore the human condition and believes that film is a universal language that can unite us all.
Dan Debrey
www.nyssagluck.com | glucknyssa@gmail.com | IG: @nyssa_gluck | 213.886.3994
Nyssa Glück is an award-winning Swiss-Canadian-American cinematographer. Raised between the U.S. and Europe, her nomadic upbringing instilled in her a deep sensitivity to visual storytelling and a belief that there’s always a story to capture—if you’re open to seeing it.
Her work has screened at festivals such as Canada’s Top Ten at TIFF, Hot Docs International Film Festival, and the Inside Out Film Festival. Her debut feature, Rien de Mal, was honored with the FIPRESCI Prize by the International Federation of Film Critics.
An Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC), Nyssa co-designed the CSC’s Field of View Mentorship Program, launched in 2020. She has also been a member of the ICFC+ since 2021.
Based in Los Angeles, Nyssa earned her MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory.
Nyssa Glück
www.eliotgrigo.com | eliotgrigo@gmail.com | IG: @eliotgrigo | 207.975.6137
Originally from Rockport, Maine Eliot Grigo received a BFA in Film from Syracuse University in 2017 and has just completed his MFA at the AFI Conservatory’s Cinematography program. He studied 35mm filmmaking at FAMU in Prague and attended photographic workshops at RIT and Maine Media. Professionally, he’s worked with brands including Nike, Calvin Klein, and Christian Dior, while lensing narrative projects. Most notably, La Mujer de Héctor (Palm Springs premiere) and Classmates (Hamptons International premiere) received Vimeo Staff Picks in 2022 and 2025, respectively. Grigo’s cinematography centers on emotionally sensitive imagery and a dynamic graphic eye.
Eliot Grigo
Alexander Hagemann is a German cinematographer based in Los Angeles and France. He studied filmmaking in Paris before his Master of Fine Arts at the American Film Institute. In America, Alexander dedicated 2 years of his life to studying visual storytelling and gave multiple presentations to his peers about his findings. He crafts each of his images with care, feeling and a deep respect for the visual language. When not on set Alexander spends his time exploring new visual techniques with medium format film photography.
Alexander Hagemann
www.samjorg.com | sam@samjorg.com | IG: @samjjorg | 916.879.0965
Sam Jørgensen is a cinematographer based in LA. Growing up moving from place-to-place, Sam found an appreciation for beauty in the diverse settings of the world – the forest, the desert, the crowded, the quiet, the extraordinary, and the mundane. Sam has won awards both in narrative and commercial fields for his work. He recently graduated in Cinematography at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, CA.
Sam Jørgensen
www.jasperkhadjenouri.com | jasperkhadjenouri@gmail.com | IG: @jasperkhadjenouri | 707.867.8195
Jasper Khadjenouri is a Los Angeles–based British cinematographer and a graduate of the American Film Institute’s Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography. A recipient of the prestigious BAFTA Pigott Scholarship, he was named one of BAFTA’s 2023 U.S. Scholars—an honor recognizing outstanding emerging talent in film.
With a primary focus on narrative filmmaking, Jasper’s work consistently reflects a strong visual identity and a refined cinematic precision.
Jasper Khadjenouri
baolecheok.com | baolecheok@gmail.com | IG: @baooole | 213.656.9612
Bao Le Cheok is a Singaporean filmmaker and a graduate of Nanyang Technological University, where she earned a BFA in Digital Filmmaking. Starting her career as a camera assistant and steadily advancing, she has honed her craft across various formats—from docu-narratives and reality TV to scripted films. More recently, her work has explored genre filmmaking, especially comedy and horror, where she enjoys pushing the limits of visual storytelling through lighting and composition.
When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen or exploring grocery aisles—cooking is her second creative passion.
Bao Le Cheok
yandy-liu.format.com | yandylproduction@gmail.com | IG: yandy_liu | 818.653.0556
Yandy Liu is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer driven by emotional nuance and poetic detail. She has lensed narrative and experimental projects, always with a deep respect for story and tone. Yandy is known for her thoughtful presence on set, collaborative spirit, and precise visual intuition. Whether crafting delicate interiors or dynamic movement, she approaches each frame with intention and care. She is fluent in both traditional film and digital workflows and moves seamlessly between formats — always in service of story.
Yandy is particularly drawn to projects with emotional depth, strong directorial vision, and space for visual experimentation. If you’re looking for a cinematographer who listens deeply, works rigorously, and lights with heart — let’s connect.
Yandy Liu
juliamaixer.com | jumaixer@gmail.com | IG: @juliamaixer | US number: +1.818.358.7841//Spain number: +34.656.180.909
Julia Maixer is a Spanish cinematographer, born and raised on the outskirts of Barcelona. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Production from ESCAC (Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya) and hasis currently recently completing graduated with her MFA in Cinematography afromt the American Film Institute., where she will graduate in August 2025.
Deeply attuned to human emotion, Julia is passionate about crafting imagery that lingers, evoking a visceral and lasting response from the audience. She gravitates toward stories rooted in complex character psychologies, where individuals search for meaning within their environments and relationships. Julia is equally drawn to narratives that involve historical or cultural exploration, that challenge perspectives and transport audiences to other times, worlds, and communities through the power of cinema. In an industry that increasingly distances itself from genuine emotional connection, Julia is committed to reawakening the audience’s capacity to feel.
Julia Maixer
www.armanmeinecke.com | armeinecke@gmail.com | IG: @arman_meinecke_dop | 316.350.5112
Arman Meinecke is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer specializing in narrative filmmaking. With a deep belief in cinema’s ability to evoke empathy and broaden perspectives, he views film as a transformative storytelling medium that connects people across cultures and experiences. Arman recently completed his studies at the American Film Institute Conservatory, where he refined both his technical craft and his passion for visual storytelling. His work is a reflection of his dedication to creating authentic, compelling narratives through the lens.
Arman Meinecke
www.kerenpaldi.com | Kpaldi@afi.edu | IG: @Kerenpaldi | 972.54.482.9772
Keren Paldi is a cinematographer and recent graduate of the American Film Institute. Originally from Jerusalem, she comes from a background in lighting and is drawn to stories that explore identity and human connection. Her work is guided by intuition and a desire to uncover each project’s emotional core through honest, expressive imagery.
Keren Paldi
www.dominikapodczaska.com | dominika.podczaska@gmail.com | IG: @dominika_dp_podczaska | 323.331.2958
Dominika Podczaska is a member of the Polish Society of Cinematographers (PSC) and an MFA graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI), where she received the prestigious Canva Scholarship. She is currently based in Los Angeles but works worldwide. She is also an alumna of the Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles (2017) and the SCRIPT program at Wajda Film School in Warsaw (2019). Additionally, she graduated from the School of Journalism (BA), the American Studies Center (MA), and the Laboratory of Reportage at the University of Warsaw.
And it’s been over a decade since Dominika has been working as a Director of Photography.
Dominika Podczaska
www.rebrich.com | rebandrich@gmail.com | IG: @rebbrichard | 646.465.3449
Rebecca “Reb” Richard is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer with a background in sculpture and art history, studied at Hunter College in New York. In early collaborations, Reb supported various artists on commissioned installations for institutions such as Marlborough Gallery, The Miami City Ballet, and Philadelphia Contemporary—experiences that continue to shape her tactile approach to image-making and light theory. In Los Angeles, she has worked across several narrative and commercial productions. In 2022, she was selected for the American Film Institute’s Cinematography Intensive for Women and featured in Fotofilmic Journal, curated by Caroline Tomkins.
Reb’s multidisciplinary background informs a cinematic style rooted in world-building, empathy, and perceptual inquiry. She holds an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory.
Reb Richard
www.matthewroveto.com | mhroveto@gmail.com | IG: @elrover | 802.522.5915
Rove Roveto was born in Boston, MA and raised on the South Shore of Massachusetts. He splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles. His previous work has screened at Tribeca Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Slamdance, Champs-Élysées Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, RiverRun, Newfest, and more.
He attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied cinematography under his close mentors Thomas E. Ackerman ASC, David Elkins SOC, David Parrish SOC.
He is a 2025 graduate American Film Institute Cinematography program.
When not immersed in filmmaking, he enjoys his vinyl collection, exploring, and cooking.
Rove Roveto
www.simransawhney.com | collaborations@simransawhney.com | IG: @thesimransawhney | 732.340.8615
Simran Sawhney is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer drawn to character-driven narratives and the emotional weight of what remains unspoken. She is a graduate of the American Film Institute’s Cinematography program.
Her work spans both India and the U.S., with films recognized at over a dozen international festivals—including a finalist spot at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and BISFF, India’s only Oscar-qualifying festival. Her cinematography on Shadows earned an Honorable Mention from the NATAS Student Production Awards, and her AFI thesis film—a meditation on estrangement and the complexities of a father-daughter relationship—was awarded the Amazon Grant.
Simran’s approach leans into crafting emotionally resonant images that speak through light and movement, capturing what characters feel but never say. She continues to pursue stories rooted in nuance, identity, and transformation—always with an eye for the unspoken.
Simran Sawhney
lukescroggins.com | mail@madsfridolin.com | IG: @LuScroggs | 210.643.2131
Luke Scroggins is an award-winning Cinematographer whose work specializes in historical action and character driven stories, exploring the intersection of personal struggle and broader social forces. Born in Texas, he fell in love with the theatre at an early age and has remained a student of storytelling ever since.
He thrives on translating big, ambitious ideas into practical, shootable moments. For Luke, every story begins with the script: a recipe that guides the creative team toward delivering something fresh — something the audience has never experienced before. He looks for projects that ask relevant, urgent questions, and for teams that are serious about answering them. His job is to work with — and in service of — the director, to make the impossible possible and bring their vision to life. No job is too big or too small.
Luke Scroggins
yoshihisatoda.com | ocewl@nifty.com | IG: @yoshihisatoda | 323.321.8719
Yoshihisa “Yoshi” Toda has shot over 10 feature films and episodic shows for Disney+, Amazon Prime, and major TV stations. His documentary background spanning over 40 countries lets him establish a unique visual language, leading to international credits, such as OUR HOMELAND, which won the CICAE Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, and GHOST MASTER, which won Grand-Prix at the Porto International Film Festival. His works also won the MTV JAPAN New Artist Video Award, the Branded-Short Award at the Short Short Film Festival & Asia, and Best Foreign Language Film Japan Representation for the Academy Award. He is passionate about shaping a compelling narrative with the use of light and color.
Yoshihisa Toda
katewudp.com | katewu06060511@gmail.com | IG: @Kate_wky_99 | 213.709.8186
Keying “Kate” Wu is a cinematographer with a strong visual sensibility shaped by both Eastern and Western film traditions. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Cinematography and Production from the Beijing Film Academy, and spent two years studying cinematography as an exchange student at Columbia College Chicago. Her work spans narrative, experimental, and genre-driven short films, where she brings a painterly approach to lighting and a sensitive eye for composition.
Keying ‘Kate’ Wu
yongchenwu244057.cargo.site | kriswuyongchen@gmail.com | IG: @wu_ychen | 626.788.6083
Yongchen Wu is a cinematographer from China, currently based in Los Angeles. She received her BFA in Film Production with a focus on Cinematography from Chapman University in 2022 and has just completed her MFA at the AFI Conservatory.
Blending multicultural perspectives with a heightened sensitivity to detail, her visual style is rooted in emotional truth and subtle realism, draws from both Eastern and Western sensibilities. She is drawn to long takes and the spontaneous energy of natural moments, seeking to capture the quiet tension and beauty of lived experience. Now based in Los Angeles, Yongchen has developed a diverse and collaborative body of work across narrative, documentary and experimental films, bringing both technical precision and intuitive storytelling to the projects she lenses.
Yongchen Wu
kubazagajewski.pl | jz@jakubzagajewski.pl | IG: @kuba_zagajewski_dp | +1.747.324.9194//+48.695.228.248
Kuba Zagajewski is from Poland and currently splits his time between Warsaw and Los Angeles. His background is in commercials, but he is eager to work on narrative projects of all kinds—whether grounded and intimate or twisted and absurd. He focuses on kind people and character-driven stories.
Kuba Zagajewski
www.zhihanzhang.work | samdavidzhangdp@gmail.com | IG: @zhihanzhang | 626.808.2493
Zhihan Zhang is a Chinese-born cinematographer currently completing the Cinematography program at the American Film Institute (Class of 2025). With a foundation in photography, he is known for his distinctive visual style and strong artistic sensibility. In 2019, his film The Lady in White featured in American Cinematographer magazine, selected for the Short Takes section during ASC’s 100th Anniversary. His work spans fashion films, branded content and narrative storytelling, often blending poetic imagery with precise visual craftsmanship.
Zhihan Zhang
www.joshuazhu.cn | joshuazhu2000@outlook.com | IG: @Joshua_zhu2000 | 213.448.1263
Junxiong “Joshua” Zhu is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles and Beijing. He is a cinematography fellow of American Film Institute.
Born and raised in China, he has a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Cinematography from Beijing Film Academy, and also has the experience of studying at Netherlands Film Academy.
He has worked on a number of independent short films, mostly as a cinematographer. Last year, he worked on Cannes Short Film Palme d’Or winner Qiu Yang’s feature debut SOME RAIN MUST FALL, which won the Encounter’s Jury Award of the 74th Berlin International film festival and Best Cinematography in 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.
Junxiong “Joshua” Zhu
