Why this moment matters & why we’re celebrating it on both sides of the Tasman.

After her breathtaking work on Disney’s Mulan, shot here in Aotearoa back in 2018, we’re more than happy to claim Mandy Walker as one of our own. The Australian cinematographer (or Aussie cousin, really) has long been behind some of the most beautifully composed, emotionally rich images on screen. From Lantana to Australia, Hidden Figures to Elvis, her work moves between character-driven intimacy and sweeping cinematic scale with signature strength and grace.

Now, Mandy has made history again, being named President of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) as the first woman to hold the position in the society’s 105-year history.

What is the ASC & why is this a big deal?

Founded in 1919, the ASC is one of the oldest and most influential professional organisations in global filmmaking. Its membership is invitation-only and includes many of the world’s most respected cinematographers. Being named its president is not just a career milestone, it's a signal of esteem from the very top of the craft.

And while it might seem long overdue for a woman to take the helm, Mandy’s appointment is a landmark moment in a field where women have historically been underrepresented, particularly at the top levels. As of 2023, only around 5% of ASC members were women, and even fewer have held leadership roles.

Her appointment is not only richly deserved, but symbolic of the evolving face of cinematography, one that values mentorship, inclusion, and storytelling from every perspective.

A memory from Aotearoa: NZCS member Bayley Broome Peake

“My very first attachment was on a feature film called Tracks in 2012, shadowing the camera department. I was introduced to slates and all sorts of camera department wizardry — and Mandy made a huge impression on me.
In 2023, I flew to Sydney for the ACS National Awards, where I had a music video in the national lineup after winning Gold at the regional level. I saw her again, 11 years later, and I’d gone from a newbie to an emerging DP in New Zealand.
She was a really huge inspiration to me from when I first started out, and she still is inspiring to me today.”

Bayley’s experience echoes what many in the industry feel. Mandy’s combination of technical excellence and generosity toward the next generation is what makes her leadership so meaningful.

Between continents, but close in craft

Mandy has always been a bridge between worlds, not just between Australia and the U.S., but between studio blockbusters and arthouse films, between analogue and digital, between tradition and innovation. As ASC President, she’s now helping shape the future of cinematography at a global level.

We’re celebrating this win from Aotearoa and raising a toast to her continued trailblazing. From Mulan beneath Aoraki to the president’s seat at the ASC, it’s clear that Mandy Walker isn’t just behind the camera — she’s leading the way.

Photo left: Mandy filming Mulan with Director Niki Caro on location in Aoraki/Mt Cook, taken by Script Supervisor Kath Thomas
Photo right: Mandy and Bayley on the set of Tracks (2012)