Recipient of the prestigious Golden Frog for Late Shift, cinematographer Judith Kaufmann delivered a sharp, relevant address at Camerimage 2025. After paying a moving tribute to caregivers, she transformed her acceptance into a powerful call to action. Kaufmann denounces the inequality of opportunity, which alone restricts the scope of female talent in the art of cinematography.

“Good evening.

I’m very sad that I can’t be there to accept this award in person.

I just finished shooting a movie two days ago and went straight into grading for Petra Volpe’s next film.

There’s no greater gift than being honored for something that means so much to me.

With this film, we wanted to pay tribute to all the caregivers, mostly women, who perform this indispensable work every single day all around the world.

I would like to thank Petra Volpe, the director and writer, for her wisdom and for her warm yet always analytical perspective. I learned so much from her.

And my deepest gratitude goes to Leonie Benesch for her dedication, her precision, and her captivating presence.

I am aware of the intense discussions surrounding Camerimage, of the dissatisfaction that over the years so few female cinematographers have been represented there, not only in competition.

Talent has never been limited by gender; only opportunity has.

I accept this award with deep gratitude, but also with the hope that it becomes unremarkable for women to be here.

My work is one voice among many. There are countless women—emerging, mid-career, and long overlooked—whose visions have been and are changing this art form in extraordinary ways.

I especially want to encourage young DOPs, female DOPs, to keep moving forward with curiosity and open eyes, to keep fighting for our visibility, but also to trust.

It is truly the most beautiful profession there is.

Thank you.”