Hi, I’m Israel Kamkhadji, a cinematographer and colorist based in the south of France. My journey into filmmaking has been anything but traditional—I didn’t attend film school or work my way up through large productions. Instead, I honed my craft through curiosity, persistence, and an unwavering passion for storytelling.

As a cinematographer, my focus is on creating visuals that evoke emotion and immerse audiences. Whether it’s shaping light to enhance a narrative or capturing the essence of a brand in a commercial, my goal is always the same: to tell authentic stories that resonate deeply.

On the colorist side, I’ve found a space where creativity meets technical precision. For me, color is not just a finishing touch—it’s a vital storytelling tool. I work closely with directors and editors to refine their vision, ensuring every frame is cohesive, striking, and alive with meaning.

I refined my skills by learning from industry leaders such as Walter Valpato, Lily Henry, Paul Carlin, and Cullen Kelly.

I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brands such as Hublot and Hyundai, as well as independent filmmakers and smaller creative teams. These diverse experiences have helped me grow while staying true to my core values: collaboration, intention, and a genuine love for the craft.

In addition to my work behind the camera, I share my expertise as a teacher at YNOV Campus in Sophia Antipolis, where I guide students from first to third year in post-production lighting, cinematographic composition, and color grading. Teaching has allowed me to further connect with the next generation of creatives while reinforcing my own knowledge.

My work has received recognition, including awards for the short film “Être Père”, which won Best Editing and Best Casting at the 48-Hour Challenge. I also realized the documentary “Consommables”, a hard-hitting exposé on firefighters’ working conditions. Presented to the French Senate and broadcast in cinemas and on TV, it sparked significant discussion and awareness. Most recently, I worked as Director of Photography on the documentary “Nawa Sia”, which delves into the secrets of the Amazon rainforest.

My journey has shaped my skills and defined my creative DNA, making my approach highly adaptive. My curiosity is one of my greatest strengths, enabling me to understand and contribute to a wide range of projects—from commercials and documentaries to short films and music videos.

Today, if there’s one thing my self-taught journey has taught me, it’s that every project—big or small—is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. I’m always eager to take on new challenges, whether behind the camera or in the grading suite, to help bring meaningful stories to life.

Let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary together.