On September 6, 2024, at the historic Palazzo Francica Nava in Ortigia, legendary cinematographer Luciano Tovoli AIC, ASC delivered a masterclass that not only concluded the AIC IN CAMPUS section of Terre di Cinema but also served as the ideal springboard for the CineCampus short film productions set to begin the day after. Known for his extraordinary contributions to cinema and his relentless advocacy for the creative and authorial rights of cinematographers, Tovoli’s presence was both inspiring and symbolic—ushering in the next phase of work for the attending filmmakers.

A Cinematographer Who Shaped the Industry

Luciano Tovoli is more than a cinematographer; he is a pioneer whose impact on the global film industry transcends his own extraordinary body of work. His masterclass was an exploration of both his artistic vision and his profound influence on cinematographers’ rights worldwide. Tovoli’s illustrious career includes collaborations with legendary directors such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Dario Argento, and Barbet Schroeder, to name a few, where his signature use of light, color, and camera movement created some of the most iconic images in film history and titles, such as Suspiria and The Passenger that are considered cult movies by now.

Beyond his unrivalled technical and artistic mastery, Tovoli has been a tireless advocate for the recognition of cinematographers as authors of the cinematic image. He has been instrumental in securing creative rights for cinematographers in many European countries, pushing for their work to be recognized as an essential and creative contribution to the final film product. His work in championing the prerogatives of cinematographers led to the creation of the Cinematographers Days at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in the early 2000s—a significant step forward in shining a spotlight on the authorial nature of this profession.

IMAGO and the Rise of International Collaboration

Perhaps one of Tovoli’s greatest contributions to the field is the creation of IMAGO—the International Federation of Cinematographers. Founded by Tovoli in the early 2000s, IMAGO now boasts over 55 national societies as members, spanning the globe and uniting cinematographers from diverse countries and traditions under one banner. The organization serves as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, advocating for creative rights, and promoting the artistic and technical craft of cinematography on a global scale.

IMAGO’s influence continues to grow, providing cinematographers with a collective voice and ensuring that their artistic input is acknowledged at the highest levels of the industry. During his masterclass, Tovoli touched on the importance of international collaboration and how IMAGO’s work has broken down barriers between national cinema industries, enabling a richer exchange of ideas and techniques.

AIC and Terre di Cinema: Tovoli’s Enduring Legacy

Luciano Tovoli’s impact is not limited to the international stage; he remains a pivotal figure within the Italian film industry as well. As President of AIC, the Italian Society of Cinematographers, Tovoli has been at the forefront of nurturing new talent and guiding the future of Italian cinematography. His leadership has helped maintain Italy’s tradition of excellence in visual storytelling, and his commitment to education is a cornerstone of his work with AIC.

One of the most significant examples of Tovoli’s dedication to young cinematographers is his long-standing connection to Terre di Cinema. He has been an Honorary Chairman of the event since its inception and has played a vital role in its growth and success. Tovoli’s guidance and influence have shaped Terre di Cinema into an essential platform for emerging cinematographers, offering them opportunities to learn from the masters of the craft while developing their own voices.

During his masterclass, Tovoli reflected on his journey with Terre di Cinema, recalling how the event has evolved over the years into a key program for both seasoned professionals and the next generation of filmmakers. He expressed pride in seeing how the event’s mission aligns with his vision of fostering an environment where cinematographers are given the tools and support they need to thrive as artists.

A Day to Remember: Four Generations United by Shared Values

What made this day truly unforgettable was witnessing four generations of filmmakers united by the values passed from elder to younger. The gathering of such diverse backgrounds, all bonded by a shared passion for the art of cinematography, created a profound sense of continuity and purpose. The values of respect for the craft, creative vision, and collaboration, championed by Tovoli throughout his career, were palpable in the interactions between filmmakers of different generations.

Adding to the day’s significance was the presence of a delegation from BVK, the German Society of Cinematographers, who are official partners of AIC within the Terre di Cinema project. Johannes Kirchlechner, Michael Boxrucker, and Martin Bethge, esteemed members of BVK, served as tutors for the 2024 CineCampus. Their involvement further underscored the importance of international collaboration and mentorship that has become a hallmark of Terre di Cinema.

A Masterclass for the Ages: Preparing the Ground for Future Filmmakers

Tovoli’s masterclass was more than just a technical lesson; it was an exploration of the role of the cinematographer as an author, a creative leader whose decisions shape the very heart of a film’s visual identity. His storytelling and reflections offered invaluable insights for the filmmakers in attendance, as he shared anecdotes from his collaborations with cinematic giants and the creative challenges he faced in pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

In his closing remarks, Tovoli underscored the importance of collaboration between directors and cinematographers, noting that true cinematic magic happens when both parties are equally invested in shaping the film’s visual narrative. He encouraged the participants to approach their work with a sense of authorship, reminding them that their contributions to the final product are not merely technical but deeply artistic.

As the event transitioned from the masterclass to the production phase of the short films, Tovoli’s presence marked the perfect bridge between learning and creating. His masterclass not only concluded the AIC IN CAMPUS section on a high note but also provided the filmmakers with the inspiration and knowledge they needed to approach their upcoming shoots with confidence and vision.

A Torchbearer for Cinematographers Worldwide

Luciano Tovoli’s contributions to cinema and his advocacy for cinematographers’ rights have left an indelible mark on the industry. His work in founding IMAGO and establishing the Cinematographers Days has created a legacy that continues to elevate the role of cinematographers across the globe. As Honorary Chairman of Terre di Cinema, Tovoli’s influence and wisdom have guided the event to become a beacon for cinematographers at all stages of their careers.

With his masterclass at Terre di Cinema 2024, Tovoli once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most revered figures in the world of cinematography. His passion for the art of visual storytelling and his commitment to advocating for the creative rights of cinematographers serve as an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.

As the filmmakers moved on to their short film productions, they carried with them the lessons, stories, and guidance of one of the greatest cinematographers of all time—Luciano Tovoli.

A special thanks goes to Susi Campbell and Exedra, who made this day possible by hosting us in the splendid premises of Palazzo Francica Nava.