Female Gaze

Female Gaze

CineOne & sPOTTlight Young Talent Award for Women Directors of Photography in NRW

Promoting young talent is a top priority at IFFF Dortmund+Köln. With the support of Dortmund-based companies CineOne and sPOTTlight, »Female Gaze« is being awarded this year for the first time. The non-cash prize, valued at €5,000, is offered in the form of equipment rental, providing vital support to emerging cinematographers from NRW. Founded by Dortmund film students, CineOne and sPOTTlight are among the region’s largest equipment rental companies, actively supporting creative cinematography with their extensive portfolio.

Zoe Dumas, a graduate of ifs internationale filmschule köln, is awarded the »Female Gaze« prize for her cinematography in her graduation film El Mártir (The Martyr, directed by Alejandro Mathé). Shot in Spain and funded by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, the film tells the story of a young man’s obsession with the figure of Jesus Christ.

»Zoe Dumas’ camera work stands out for its maturity, depth and sensitive treatment of both actors and storyline. With remarkable intuition, the visual composition enhances the structural development and intensity of the narrative,« concluded the jury.

Jury

Conny Beißler

Conny Beißler studied Film and Camera at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts. After completing her studies, she focused on training young artists and has been teaching image and lighting design at various universities nationally and internationally since 2009. She shoots documentary and scenic projects, music clips as well as web and online formats. She has worked at IFFF Dortmund+Köln in various areas since 2003.

Andaç Karabeyoglu

Andaç Karabeyoglu, born in Ankara, Turkey, explored modern ballet as well as communication and design before discovering her love for visual storytelling. She studied cinematography at the Polish Film School in Lodz. Teaming up with director Aslı Özarslan, their debut film Elbow earned a spot at the Berlinale 2024 and won best debut feature at IFFF Dortmund+Köln (2024) and best regional feature film at Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt (2024). Karabeyoglu is based in Berlin. She is dedicated to breaking cultural boundaries with her work.

Adriana Berroterán

Adriana Berroterán, born in Caracas, Venezuela, is a Berlin-based cinematographer celebrated for her bold, evocative storytelling. Her work spans Mexico, Germany, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Uruguay, Austria and the US, across acclaimed TV series, films and commercials. Recognized at major film festivals, she has operated cameras for Netflix and Max shows. Berroterán advocates for inclusivity, amplifying underrepresented voices and bringing vital stories to light.

The Martyr

Zoe Dumas (DoP)

DE
2023
Spielfilm
34’
OmU

Jury Statement (Conny Beißler, Andaç Karabeyoglu, Adriana Berroterán): In the summer heat of a small Andalusian village, young Elías explores […]