gabi kislat cinematographer - Art is not a thing, it is a way.

By choosing me as your Director of Photography, you're not just getting a technician behind the camera; you're gaining a passionate visual storyteller committed to making your project visually outstanding. Let's collaborate and bring your vision to life with cinematic excellence.

With my film journey spanning two decades, I began in Germany and honed my craft at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinéma in Montreal. I graduated in 2007 and I have since worked on a diverse set of projects: From gripping narratives to compelling documentaries and commercials, my experience ensures your project receives specialized attention tailored to its distinct needs.

As a passionate creator, I bring a unique approach to cinematography, weaving the magic of light to elevate your narrative. My keen eye for lighting was shaped early in my career with the help of the outstanding Berlin lighting group “The Flying Lights” lead by Master Gaffer Christoph Nickel (Netflix: Babylon Berlin series). It was the perfect collaboration for me to learn from these Masters of Light, because they set the bar high for my perception and my creation of shadow and light.

My sense of framing and visual storytelling was guided by Cinematography classes with, to name a few, Master Cinematographers such as Vilmos Zsigmond, A.S.C. (Black Dahlia), Roger Deakins, A.S.C. (Blade Runner 2049) and Professor DoP Sophie Maintigneux (German TV and Film Academy in Berlin and Cologne).

The Altitude Awards recognize technical and artistic achievements in cinematographic arts. Created by Women In Media Inc.

Gabriel Maillé in Braqué

Eve Duranceau in Braqué

One of my favourite aspects about creating the visuals is how to use lighting, framing and camera movements to create the atmosphere and the mood that fits best for each project. For me, the visuals must serve to reinforce and help to transmit the story that the director wants to tell. The approach being natural lighting or a highly stylized one, I know how to get there. I enjoy a strong collaboration between not only the director but also between the different departments to get the best result possible.

Director Ben Scharf and I on set of "Darwin's Fox"

Here's what director Ben Scharf (Darwin's Fox, 32 minutes) has to say about collaborating with me:

"No matter how challenging and daring the shot is I have in mind, Gabi is willing to explore and accept the challenge. Even beyond that, she herself comes up with suggestions on how to improve the shots I want, always looking for an exciting new perspective in a collaborative effort."

“Darwin’s Fox” won eight “Best Cinematography” awards so far at festivals such as “Cannes Shorts” and “New York Cinematography Awards”, and it won four times "Best Film" in the festival circuit.

Other projects that I shot have also made the festival rounds:

"Beneath Us" won "Best Cinematography" at the Toronto International Women Film Festival

"Ceux Qui Sont Là" won "Golden Sheaf for Best Autobiography Documentary" at the Yorkton Film Festival

"Maîtres de L'illusion - au-dela de la Magie" was nominated for "Best Documentary: Culture"at Les Prix Gémeaux

"The Getaway" was nominated for "Best Film" and "Best Cinematography"

"Défier la Magie" was nominated for Best Cinematography at Les Prix Gémeaux.

For a full list of awards, nominations and education please ask for my resume.

What will you get when you work with me?

Some of my strong points are that through the years of experience I have become a very flexible and solution-driven person , and my strength lies in creating different atmospheres and moods for each project. Developing the aesthetics with lighting, framing and camera movement is something that I love - it just never gets old to me. I'm committed to creating film aesthetics that serve to reinforce and transmit the story and the vision of the director. I’m always looking for new and challenging opportunities and to connect with the right people - people with a vision and a passion.

In addition to my work as a cinematographer, I also enjoy passing on my knowledge to the next generation. Besides being invited as a guest teacher for Cinematography and Lighting classes at the Los Angeles Film School and Concordia University in Montréal, I have also stayed in the Atikamekw First Nation of Wemotaci in Québec where I taught the local youth directly on location in the studio trailer of the organization Wapikoni Mobile.

I continue to collaborate with filmmakers and artists to tell compelling stories in Canada and abroad. Through my work, I strive to create emotionally resonant stories that engage and inspire audiences. If you decide to work with me, I will bounce ideas back and forth and will make sure that your vision comes to life. I'm based just outside of Montreal and I speak fluent English, French and German.

Let's turn your project into a cinematic marvel! 🎬 I'm looking forward hearing from you.