The Portuguese Image Association is once again recognising international figures this year who, in one way or another, contribute or have contributed to the promotion of cinematography. This year, the honourees are two English editors/journalists who, over several decades, have dedicated their professional activity exclusively to writing and publishing about cinematography.
Alan Lowne and Ronnie Prince worked together for almost 25 years, first at British Cinematographer Magazine — where they produced 101 issues — and then at Cinematography World Magazine, for which the have edited and published 32 issues of a truly global and high-quality publication for cinematographers and their collaborators.
Besides already belonging to the film community before they started editing cinematography magazines — Alan based for many years at Pinewood Studios and Ronnie in Soho, London — there are few (if any) who can claim such a long and consistent track record in supporting and defending the art and craft of cinematographers.
They attribute their longevity in the sector to their knowledge of the people, long-standing friendships, and intimate understanding of the medium, combined with a total passion for visual storytelling in moving images, supported by an excellent team and a lot of old-fashioned hard work.
With Cinematography World, they shattered paradigms. They reimagined a print magazine and an online presence to reflect the industry itself, making it much more diverse and inclusive. They did this through active contact with the sector worldwide—directors of photography, camera operators, lighting technicians, manufacturers, studios, and film schools—forging partnerships with festivals, professional events, and international associations, and embracing different cultures and backgrounds.
Launched in January 2021 to broaden global connections with cinematographers and their art, Cinematography World is now distributed in over 90 countries, with website traffic originating from more than 150 countries. The magazine has already highlighted hundreds of cinematographers—from emerging talents in impactful independent feature films to Oscar and BAFTA winners in major productions.
Alan and Ronnie are both recipients of the prestigious ARRI John Alcott Award, given by the British Society of Cinematographers, for their service to cinematography. They are thrilled and honoured to now also be recognised by the AIP for their quarter-century—25 years—of dedication and determination.
