Pierre Chemaly's remarkable odyssey commenced in a bustling mining town nestled in the heart of Africa, where he took his first breath. As he progressed through his educational journey, he completed high school and subsequently joined the esteemed naval forces. With his new affiliation, he secured a coveted position within the naval photo/film unit, situated in the picturesque coastal town of Simons Town, mere kilometers from the vibrant city of Cape Town. Throughout his naval tenure, he diligently served as an Able-Seaman, ultimately emerging with a valuable trade in photography, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Within the confines of a naval base, a documentary screening featuring the esteemed photographer Ansel Adams served as the catalyst for a profound transformation within the individual, instilling a newfound passion that propelled him to embark upon a more in-depth exploration of his creative pursuits. This serendipitous encounter subsequently led him to submit an application to the esteemed California Institute of the Arts, a renowned institution where he had the opportunity to delve deeply into the realms of film, art, and photography under the expert tutelage of his mentor, Kris Malkiewicz, a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious Lodz Film School in Poland, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and esteemed faculty.
Chemaly's journey as a filmmaker was profoundly shaped by the guidance of two renowned directors, Alexander Mackendrick and Ed Emshwiller. Under their tutelage, Chemaly's perception of film as an art form underwent a significant transformation, shifting from the rigid, detached perspective of naval photography to a more empathetic and nuanced understanding of the medium. This metamorphosis was facilitated by the opportunity to study under Ed Emshwiller, a visionary filmmaker known for his innovative and avant-garde approach to storytelling.
As Chemaly embarked on a quest to gain profound insights into the realm of professional motion picture cameras, he initiated a correspondence with Bob Dunn, a renowned expert at Panavision, and subsequently arranged a guided tour of the esteemed facility.
During this tour, a serendipitous discovery was made, as it transpired that Chemaly and Dunn shared a fascinating commonality - both had previously served in the United States Navy.
As Chemaly continued his academic pursuits, he simultaneously secured a part-time position, allowing him to balance his studies with his newfound professional responsibilities.
Upon graduating, Chemaly was offered a full-time position by Panavision, where he underwent rigorous training to become a certified Camera Technician, proficient in the maintenance and repair of the entire fleet of Panavision and Arriflex cameras.
As a seasoned professional, Chemaly's career has spanned a multitude of mediums and geographical locations since his early days at Panavision.
Photography and direction have been key aspects of his work, with a primary focus on the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Throughout his extensive portfolio, one can find a diverse range of creative expressions, including film, photography, digital art, and painting.
Notably, Chemaly holds a prestigious Master's Degree in Photography from the renowned Falmouth University in the United Kingdom.
