It all began with a flash of light: Sophie Maintigneux gained recognition in the 1980s for her sensitive cinematography in Éric Rohmer’s Le rayon vert. This was followed by some 70 films, including Ostkreuz (Michael Klier, 1991), Gotteszell (Helga Reidemeister, 2001), Die dünnen Mädchen (Maria Teresa Camoglio, 2008), Fräulein Stinnes fährt um
die Welt (Erica von Moeller, 2009), and Petra Kelly – Act Now (Doris Metz, 2024).

Since 2009, Sophien Maintigneux has moderated the four-hour Workshop Discussion on Cinematography at the IFFF in Cologne, which has achieved legendary status at the festival thanks to her empathetic moderation and eye-opening analysis. To mark this festive conclusion, we’re switching roles and honoring Sophie’s achievements as a cinematographer, as an educator, and as a member of the festival team. This can only succeed as a collective effort, and so the following colleagues will join her in conversation: Television editor and university colleague Sabine Rollberg looks back on Sophie’s life’s work, director Erica von Moeller speaks with her about cinematography in scene-based film, while cinematographer Susanne Schüle considers her contributions to documentary filmmaking. Cinematographer Katharina Diessner highlights Sophie’s work as a teacher. The following statements reveal just how highly these filmmakers value their colleague and mentor:

Erica von Moeller
Sophie Maintigneux is not only a magnificent cinematographer, she is above all a personality with incredibly alert, empathetic eyes. Through her warm, attentive gaze she develops a deeply intimate connection with the actors, who open up to her – and later to the camera – in ways one would never expect. I have experienced this again and again – with Iris Berben, Sandra Hüller, and also with the many supporting actors. All of them know they are in the best hands – or should I say, in the best eyes – when Sophie creates her warm, soft light, when she gives the performers maximum space and when nothing escapes her attentive gaze. Images and scenes of great depth and poetic beauty emerge. Her images not only change the way cinema audiences see; they also change that of the actors being filmed.

Susanne Schüle
For me and for many generations of cinematographers, Sophie has been a role model – through her work behind the camera and her tireless commitment to making our work visible. Her films are always politically relevant, telling stories about subjects that are often taboo. She taught her students to take a stance – towards the material, towards the team, towards life itself. This was valued by everyone who worked with her, as was the sensitivity with which she could distil, in dialogue, the essential core of a story. Sophie, your passion for light and for the people in front of your camera is infectious. And your sense of humour – that, above all, I treasure.

Katharina Diessner
Sophie’s work as a cinematographer is remarkable, but her work as a teacher is no less so. She has inspired, challenged and supported generations of students, and no matter how different we were, we were all her fans. Her passion for film, her precision in analysing images and her critical yet empathetic engagement with every film we made shaped us profoundly and encouraged us to find our own artistic voice. Thank you, dear Sophie, for always sharing not only your love of cinema, but also the craft behind it. Without you, my studies would not have been nearly as enriching.

Sabine Rollberg
Sophie’s images reveal her love of people – not by confining them, but by giving them space to shine. She works magic with light, uncovering unexpected dimensions in her subjects and adding a layer of storytelling that goes beyond the script. Turning words into images, she imbues films with depth and vitality. I have had the privilege of working as an editor on films she directed and to teach alongside her. Through this, I came to know Sophie in two ways: as a creative artist and as a dedicated teacher. Over time, a third dimension emerged: in committees, she knew how to wield influence and power – full of charm, yet, when it mattered, firm and assertive. Discipline and perseverance are her hallmarks, guiding and protecting her throughout her extraordinary life and rapidly ascending, remarkable career.