Cameraperson (2016)

Cameraperson is a visual symphony that unravels the twenty-five-year journey of acclaimed documentary cinematographer Kirsten Johnson, a voyage seen through the lens of her camera. The film weaves a rich tapestry of diverse scenes, capturing a boxing match in Brooklyn, life in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina, the resilience of a Nigerian midwife, and tender family moments at home. Delicately intertwined, these episodic fragments offer an intimate exploration of the dynamic relationship between the observer and the observed, between the image makers and their subjects. It probes the delicate tension inherent in the objective gaze of the camera, and its inevitable intervention in the realities it captures, crafting a narrative that is as unfiltered as it is meticulously constructed. More than just a documentary, Cameraperson transcends the genre, morphing into a strikingly candid autobiography and an ethical dissection of the power and responsibility vested in the hands of those behind the lens. As Kirsten Johnson delves into the abundant archives of footage she has shot over the years, what emerges is a visually stunning memoir that challenges the viewer to rethink the influence and implications of the camera. In essence, Cameraperson is a dual exploration – a poignant glimpse into Johnson's personal journey, and a profound meditation on what it truly means to train a camera on the world. It's a film that not only documents reality but interrogates it, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the camera in shaping narratives, perspectives, and ultimately, truths.

Cameraperson is a documentary movie featuring Kirsten Johnson.

Cameraperson is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Cameraperson on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.