Special Cannes Podcast: Akiko Ashizawa 芦澤 明子
From First Time Go by Benjamin Duchek
June 2, 2026 · 21 min · Season 4
About this episode
The episode features an interview with cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa discussing her career and experiences in the film industry.
What an incredible honor to be joined by famed cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa, who was honored at the Cannes Film Festival with the 2026 Pierre Angénieux Tribute . We talk about her career, how she thought the tribute was spam!, females in cinematography, and more. The episode is recorded thanks to a translator. In this episode, Akiko and I discuss: how she found out about the Pierre Angénieux Tribute and thought it was spam! ; how she got her start; what defines Japanese cinema and its visual style; her views on technology and cinematography; her mentors and her advice for young cinematographers like Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan; why there aren't more female cinematographers and whether it's improved since she started. Akiko's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Shuichi Okita 沖田 修 Links: 2026 Pierre Angénieux Tribute Akiko Ashizawa
People in this episode
Host: Benjamin Duchek
Guest: Akiko Ashizawa
Topics covered
- cinematography
- Cannes Film Festival
- female filmmakers
- Japanese cinema
- technology in film
Keywords
- cinematographer
- Cannes
- Pierre Angénieux Tribute
- female cinematography
- Japanese cinema
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