Frame Within a Frame 2025, the training and networking programme for emerging cinematographers, will bring together eight young talents and leading international mentors in Tallinn and Helsinki in November. As a new highlight this year, the programme has partnered with Aalto University. In addition, two awards will be presented to recognise and celebrate outstanding talents.
Within a few years, Frame Within a Frame is acting as a crucial bridge between emerging cinematography talent and the global industry. “We create a dedicated platform where upcoming cinematographers can showcase their work and engage in invaluable networking with established professionals. Crucially, Frame Within a Fram fosters direct collaboration with major international bodies (like IMAGO and ICLS) and leading manufacturers (like ARRI), ensuring our talents experience and learn to master the cutting-edge technology that defines modern visual storytelling,” says Dhanushka Gunathilake, the project manager of the programme.
The selected cinematographers taking part in Frame Within a Frame 2025 are: Annika Väljataga (Estonia), experienced in short films, documentaries and commercials; Anssi Tiusanen (Finland), whose film Monster (2021) won Best Scottish Film at the British Short Film Awards; Gemma De Miguel Morell (Spain), who has been passionate about filmmaking since her teenage years; Jolinna Ang (Singapore), whose work ranges from documentaries to narrative films of all lengths; Natalija Jekabsone (Latvia), active in short-film production; Tanel Topaasia (Estonia), whose previous works have screened at Camerimage and Palm Springs ShortFest; Vincent Eckert (Germany), whose films have received more than 40 awards and 130 festival nominations; and Vytenis Jankauskas (Lithuania) with experiences in music videos, short films, commercials, TV series and independent feature films.
Learn more about the participants HERE
In 2025, Frame Within a Frame presents two awards: the Frame Within a Frame LENS Award by ARRI, recognising the best cinematographer for outstanding artistic and technical achievement; and the Golden Ticket, presented with Team 4 Set, which grants a promising talent the chance to join a cinematography lab in Poland.
Masterclasses, workshops, screenings with internationally recognized filmmakers
The programme takes place 18–26 November 2025, starting in Tallinn and continuing in Helsinki in cooperation with Aalto University and Aalto Studios. It will include workshops, screenings, masterclasses and discussions focusing on artistic and technical aspects of cinematography by internationally recognized cinematographers and professionals, including: Roberto Schaefer ASC, AIC, Rauno Ronkainen FSC, John-Christian Rosenlund FNF, Philippe Ros AFC and Ville Penttilä FSC / ICLS.
The selected participants have the excellent opportunity in Tallinn to attend a LED workshop in collaboration with IMAGO Technical and ICLS Committee and a Master Screening & Presentation by Rauno Ronkainen FSC. The final days in Helsinki will focus on practical sessions at Aalto University and Aalto Studios, including lighting and camera workshop by Roberto Schaefer ASC, AIC as well as industry meetings.
The programme also includes several events open to everyone with an accreditation or a day ticket including the opening panel: “Can Film Schools Keep Up with the Industry?” – with representatives from Warsaw Film School, FAMU and Aalto University, selected participants’ film screenings and feedback sessions, Master Screening & Presentation by John-Christian Rosenlund FNF, LED Lighting presentation on the future of cinematography, and many more.
Frame Within a Frame is organised with the support of International Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO), IMAGO Technical Committee, International Cinema Lighting Society (ICLS), Tallinn University BFM, Aalto University, Aalto Studios, ARRI, Camera Nordic, Team 4 Set.