My route to filmmaking was an indirect one that started with a love for art, literature, and composition. I always had the idea that I would study fine art. A trip to Mexico changed my mind and I went to Edinburgh University to study Hispanic Literature. Reading fiction and writing essays developed a desire to find a form of expression that combined research with a visual language.

In 2008 I moved to Italy. Over two years living in Rome I encountered the work of directors whose poetic view of ‘reality’ sparked a decision to explore the potential for innovation in this medium, through experimenting with bold form and creating a strong visual aesthetic.

In my films I aim to illuminate the complex relationship of a person to a place that is alive and constantly evolving. I strive to make cinema that is physical and sensual, and evokes the spiritual dimension of our human search for meaning and purpose. I am particularly interested in people who are exploring extreme pursuits and ways of living, or following unusual paths in life. I always operate the camera myself, so that I am directly engaging with the environment and protagonists.

My first feature-length documentary, Mother Vera, won the Grierson Award for best documentary at the BFI London Film Festival and first prize at Festival Dei Popoli in 2024. During its produciton the film was supported by The Sundance Institute, awarded first prize at Locarno First Look 2023 and the First Look Prize at the Hot Docs Forum 2021. The film had its world premiere in competition at Visions du Réel in 2024 and and received strong reviews — ‘sublime and sensorial debut feature’ — The Film Verdict.

I speak French, Italian and Spanish and my work has taken me to Europe, Asia, Latin America, Cuba and Africa. I enjoy exploring new environments and am confident and experienced in bringing an intimate, sensitive and deeply empathetic approach to working with people.

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Cécile Embleton

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