Swiss Cinematographers Society

The Swiss Cinematographers Society (SCS) is a professional association representing cinematographers working in Swiss feature and documentary film. According to its official website, it is "the association of Swiss directors of photography in feature and documentary film" and describes itself as "an association of professional cinematographers dedicated to the art and craft of cinematography." Its members form a diverse and accomplished community united by collaboration and a shared passion for visual storytelling. The SCS functions as a cultural and professional platform where cinematographers and other industry members exchange ideas on technical, aesthetic, and professional matters. It advocates for fair representation, improved working conditions, and recognition of cinematographers as authors of the cinematic image. Through social events, film screenings, and panels, it showcases the vital role of cinematography in visual storytelling. The society states a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and mutual respect, and stands firmly against all forms of discrimination. The organisation maintains strong ties with national and international bodies and is a member of IMAGO, the International Federation of Cinematographers, which connects societies from over fifty countries. Its Executive Board is composed of members elected annually by the General Assembly; the board includes Stéphane Kuthy (Presidency), Meret Madörin (Vice Presidency), and board members Aline László, Patrick Tresch, and Michael Saxer. The SCS was founded in 1996 under the name Société Suisse des Chefs-Opérateurs by Philippe Cordey, Edwin Horak, Rainer Klausmann, Fritz A. Maeder, and Hugues Ryffel. The founding members sought to foster exchange between Swiss cinematographers and with international colleagues, and the society joined IMAGO that same year. The association continues to serve as the collective voice and professional network for Swiss cinematographers.

The Swiss Cinematographers Society was founded in 1996 under the name Société Suisse des Chefs-Opérateurs. Its founding members were Philippe Cordey, Edwin Horak, Rainer Klausmann, Fritz A. Maeder, and Hugues Ryffel. According to the society's official history, these founding members wished to foster exchange between Swiss cinematographers and with international colleagues, and they joined IMAGO — the International Federation of Cinematographers — that same year. Over the following decades the SCS developed into a cultural and professional platform for cinematographers and other industry members, providing a forum to exchange ideas on technical, aesthetic, and professional matters. It has advocated for fair representation, improved working conditions, and recognition of cinematographers as authors of the cinematic image, and it showcases the role of cinematography in visual storytelling through social events, film screenings, and panels. The society maintains strong ties with both national and international organisations and remains a member of IMAGO, which connects societies from over fifty countries. Its Executive Board is composed of members elected annually by the General Assembly. The official website also notes remembrance of late members who contributed significantly to the association as supportive mentors and friends.

• 1996

  Founded as Société Suisse des Chefs-Opérateurs by Philippe Cordey, Edwin Horak, Rainer Klausmann, Fritz A. Maeder, and Hugues Ryffel.

• 1996

  Joined IMAGO, the International Federation of Cinematographers.

Professional association and cultural platform for Swiss cinematographers, advocating for fair representation, improved working conditions, and recognition of cinematographers as authors of the cinematic image.

1. 1SCS • Home ENswisscameramen.ch
2. 2SCS • About usswisscameramen.ch
3. 3Swiss Cinematographers Societywikidata.org