Rome, 30 May 2025 – A year on from its official launch—which drew the enthusiastic participation of numerous industry professionals—the Chiaroscuro Collective announces a new, refreshed edition of The Art of Italian Cinematography and Beyond.
On 7 June 2025, the annual summer event of the collective will take place at Studio 10 of the “De Paolis” television studios: a rich and multifaceted occasion of meetings, reflections and discussions aimed at promoting the technical and artistic excellence of cinematographers, with a constant focus on identifying the challenges currently facing the industry and the wider world.
With an event like The Art of Italian Cinematography and Beyond, Collettivo Chiaroscuro reaffirms its commitment to building a transversal and democratic network rooted in the concrete sharing of experience. It is an opportunity to continue a long-standing journey driven by a deep ambition, one that has always remained true to its Manifesto: the desire to share and promote the work of its members, bridge generational gaps, support professional growth through dialogue, solidarity and technical innovation, and foster voices, ideas and artistic expression on both a national and international level. At the heart of it all is the celebration of the art of Italian cinematography, its culture, and the history of our cinema.
The Art of Italian Cinematography and Beyond, with this second edition, continues in its aim to build a unique space where everyone can contribute to and participate in the community, keeping alive the mission of fostering a cultural dialogue between cinema, art and technology. Cinema is collaboration, and for this reason the event will be open, inclusive, and designed for students, professionals, associations, and all those who wish to be part of a shared journey.
Throughout the day, topics will include the emergence of Artificial Intelligence and its potential for creative application, the prominent development of television series and their ongoing dialogue with cinema, the exploration of the deep relationship between directors and cinematographers, and much more. Joining Collettivo Chiaroscuro for masterclasses, panels and Q\&A sessions will be prominent national and international talents, including Paolo Sorrentino, Francesca Comencini, Michele Alhaique, Ula Pontikos and many others.
“In a difficult year for cinema worldwide, and in Italy in particular, we have decided to make our annual gathering not a celebration but a moment for reflection and dialogue on the current and future challenges of our sector. We want this day, rich in meetings and debates, to be open to young people who love cinema and dream of making it, to all colleagues from every association or category, to our collaborators, to our sponsors. We believe this is the best way to nurture our passion for our work and the enthusiasm needed to overcome even the toughest obstacles.” ” declared Paolo Carnera, president of the Chiaroscuro Collective.
The day of 7 June will be divided into numerous sessions.
The first panel, titled “Equal Exposure: Let’s start from differences to work on rights – parenting, career progression and inclusion” (9:30 AM), will feature a collective discussion led by CCS members on the topic of gender equality in the workplace.
Next up is the masterclass “Don’t close the curtains: have a backdrop!” (10.40 am), led by Alessandro Pesci (CCS member) together with Sarah Horton, Rosco Backdrops Creative Specialist. The session will explore the creative possibilities and limitations of using backdrops in film production.
To explore the close relationship between the director’s craft and that of the cinematographer, Daria D’Antonio (CCS Vice-President) will be in conversation with Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino (Parthenope, The Hand of God, The Great Beauty) in a panel entitled “The relationship between director and cinematographer” (11.50 am).
Among the day’s events is the round-table “Episodic versus Features: developing stories across formats” (2 pm), which will bring together Paolo Carnera (CCS President) with director Michele Alhaique (A.C.A.B – The Series, Romulus, Bang Bang Baby), director Francesca Comencini, and cinematographer Vittorio Omodei Zorini (A.C.A.B – The Series, Those About to Die, The Good Mothers).
The debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence will be a central theme of this edition in a panel entitled “AI for Filmmakers – The new era” (3 pm), featuring cinematographer Alessandro Chiodo (Head of the CCS AI study group), director Carlo Lavagna (Shadows, Arianna), colourist Jean Paul Snider (M74) and VFX supervisor Stefano Leoni (EDI).
Rounding off the day is the interview and Q&A session “Focus on international productions: Ula Pontikos BSC & David McFarland meet CCS” (4.20 pm), moderated by Luca Ciuti (CCS Vice-President) and featuring Emmy-nominated cinematographer Ula Pontikos BSC (Russian Doll, Weekend) and cinematographer David McFarland (12 Mighty Orphans, Mafak).
The Art of Cinematography and Beyond is made possible thanks to the support of the Chiaroscuro Collective’s partners and sponsors.
The event is free of charge. To take part, please register at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-italian-cinematography-and-beyond-2025-masterclass-panels-tickets-1382697648889
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-italian-cinematography-and-beyond-2025-masterclass-panels-tickets-1382697648889
For press accreditation and interview requests, please write to the contact details at the foot of the page.
Chiaroscuro Collective
The Chiaroscuro Collective is a cultural association founded by cinematographers who have distinguished themselves on the Italian and international film scene. Established in 2024, it was created to provide a place where members feel represented, can meet to discuss their work, exchange ideas and offer mutual support. Its aims include fostering opportunities for reflection and professional development, and promoting and safeguarding the artistic and technical quality of its members’ work through networking and outreach activities.
CHIAROSCURO COLLECTIVE
Operational headquarters: Cinecittà, Via Tuscolana 1055, 00173 Rome, Room 206
Email: ccs@chiaroscurocollective.com
Website: www.collettivochiaroscuro.com
Press Office
Alessio Zuccari – 345 441 5760
alessiozuccari96@gmail.com
