About

Mohamed Ismail Khalfouni is an Edinburgh-based cinematographer. My eye wasn’t shaped only on sets — it comes from life, too. I grew up around Sufi traditions where spirituality is the spoken language, and I spent years in hip hop culture as a breakdancer, which gave me a real sense of rhythm, energy, and when a camera should move — and when it should simply observe.

On set, I’m calm under pressure and easy to work with. I like clear communication, I listen, and I translate ideas into images without overcomplicating things. I’m mainly focused on cinematography and camera operating, but I’ll also direct or produce when the story needs it — including work that won Best Film at FIFAK and taught me how to get strong results on a micro-budget. My experience runs from independent shorts and ECVS projects to work screened at Cannes, camera operating on Outlander and Blood of My Blood, and producing for Al Jazeera. Whatever the scale, he brings care, discipline, and a feel for movement and stillness to every frame.