Despite decades of film production, women still make up only a small fraction of cinematographers both in New Zealand and internationally.
In Europe, women accounted for just 14% of feature film cinematographers between 2020–2024, with most films led by male DOPs. Documentary work saw slightly higher representation at 18%, while live-action fiction and animation continue to be largely crewed by men. In New Zealand, while the numbers are similarly low, steady progress is being made.
This August at our NZCS AGM, we welcomed two new committee members, Tammy Williams and Niki Winer, to oversee our Gender Diversity Programme. Their role is to conduct a complete review of the programme, update it where necessary, and make recommendations for how NZCS can best support women in cinematography going forward. Having two women actively shaping this initiative ensures that the programme reflects real industry experience and ambition.
The upcoming NZCS Awards on Saturday 18 October also provide a moment to reflect. Once again, there are women among this year’s winners, visible evidence that female cinematographers are making their mark, even in a profession still dominated by men. It’s important to note that the awards are based on submitted entries, not nominations, so entrants must actively put themselves forward to be considered. This means the lower proportion of women winners mirrors the current gender distribution in the profession, rather than any bias in the judging process.
Since 2018, women’s membership in NZCS has increased seven-fold, and thanks to support from the NZ Film Commission, the Gender Diversity Programme has placed numerous women in meaningful on-set positions. Initiatives like the Women in Camera Showcase, a collaboration with WIFT New Zealand, celebrate female and gender-diverse talent who are making waves in the industry.
This year also marked a significant moment in cinematography history. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was shot on large-format IMAX film by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, making her the first female cinematographer to shoot a feature on IMAX film. Arkapaw recently worked in New Zealand on a local shoot, highlighting both the global reach and the growing presence of women in cinematography. This milestone underscores the importance of representation, creative choice, and the cinematic experience, even in an era increasingly dominated by streaming.
Of course, change takes time. Cinematography is a craft that requires years of experience to reach senior levels, and building sustainable pathways for women requires patience and ongoing effort. NZCS remains committed to this journey, combining local insight, membership data, placement records, and international research to shape our strategy.
Data and Research Sources:
As we continue to collaborate internationally and draw on these findings, NZCS is dedicated to fostering inclusion and representation within the cinematography community, ensuring that more women have the chance to create, lead, and be celebrated on and off the screen.
~ Amber Wakefield
Executive Officer, NZCS
