Cinematographer / DP / Director / Photographer

Benjamin Michel (JSC)

Tokyo, USA / Japan

Cinematographer, director and colourist based in Tokyo Since 2022, specialising in Character-driven Narrative Film, branded content and cultural documentary. Inducted into the Japanese society of cinematographers (JSC) in 2024, the first American of haitian descent to be admitted, a fact he publishes himself and uses in his professional name, Benjamin Michel, JSC. Studied film at the university of central florida, mentored there by Tony major. Selected in 2022 for the American society of cinematographers’ vision mentorship Program, with John Simmons, ASC as his mentor, so he carries both an ASC mentorship and a JSC membership. Has judged the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. His stated approach: in cinema, characters in relentless pursuit of a personal yet universal truth; in documentary, people immersed in cultural traditions or artistic expression; and across both, the intersection of the mystical or ethereal with the ordinary. Names Mizoguchi, Wong Kar-wai, tarkovsky and raoul Peck as influences.