We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ELOI MOLI a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ELOI, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My journey began at the tender age of 9. I enrolled in a photography course, which included black and white (B/W) lab work, at school. The mesmerizing experience of watching an image gradually appear on a blank piece of paper captivated me so profoundly that I persuaded my parents to establish a photo lab in my bedroom. That’s when I started using my father’s camera, a Nikonmat with a 50mm T1.4 lens, embarking on a lifelong adventure with photography. Throughout my youth, I dedicated myself to capturing photos and personally developing them in my rudimentary lab, where my love for framing, light, and shadows blossomed.
Just on the cusp of entering university, at merely 17, I immersed myself as an unpaid intern (or “meritorio” in Spain) in a film shoot. The times were vastly different then – mobile phones were non-existent, for instance. A significant portion of my job entailed guarding a public telephone booth, spending the day feigning conversation to ensure it was available whenever a production team member needed it, and avoiding any wait times on their part. That stint marked my inaugural work in the industry, and although it was unpaid, I discovered that my future career lay in the realm of moving images.
Subsequently, I enrolled in the University of Film, simultaneously joining a professional camera crew. I juggled academic shoots with thoroughly professional film projects. By the time I graduated, I was deeply ingrained in the professional world.
ELOI, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello! My name is Eloi Moli, and I am an internationally recognized cinematographer with over 25 years of rich experience in the film industry. My career pathway into cinematography was paved at the tender age of 9 when I took an introductory course in photography at school. The course ignited an undying passion within me, leading to the creation of a black-and-white darkroom in my bedroom. My love for cinema was sparked during an internship on a movie set in my final year of high school. At 17, I was certain that I wanted to build a lifelong career as a Director of Photography1. I pursued my education at the Barcelona Film University, where I also worked as an assistant to a camera team. This experience allowed me to seamlessly transition into the professional world post-graduation. Initially, I spent 11 years honing my skills as a camera assistant, working alongside some of the industry’s most respected filmmakers.
In 2007, I embraced the role of a cinematographer and since then have worked on a plethora of projects including films, TV shows, music videos, and commercials. My journey in cinematography has been adorned with collaborations with incredible artists, leading to recognition at various film festivals. Some of my notable awards include Best Cinematography at multiple festivals like the Silicon Beach Film Festival, F.A.S.H. Festival, Fuengirola Film Festival, and Villamayor Film Festival. I have also been honored with 4 Golden Lions, 6 Silver, and 3 Bronze at the Cannes advertising festival, as well as Golden and Bronze Laus awards. My work was recently recognized with a nomination for the best cinematographer at the Indie Series Awards1.
I believe both still photography and moving photography are forms of art that capture the essence of life’s moments. What sets me apart in this field is not just my unique background, but a combination of my relentless passion for beauty, a deep-rooted love for my work, and a continuous endeavor to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies.
Throughout my career, I have worked on numerous projects with a diverse array of themes and styles. For instance, I have contributed as a Director of Photography on projects like “The Best Years” directed by Gabriele Muccino, and “Yellow” directed by Sofía Auza & Silvana Aguirre, showcasing my ability to adapt to different narrative styles and directorial visions.
Moreover, my membership with the AEC (Spanish Society of Cinematographers) and IMAGO since 2016 underpins my commitment to continuous learning and contributing to the cinematography community3.
I take immense pride in every project I undertake and am particularly proud of the accolades received for my work, which reflects the dedication, expertise, and creativity I bring to the table.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the endless possibilities to continue creating visually enthralling narratives that resonate with audiences globally. Through my work, I aspire to not only tell compelling stories but also to inspire and contribute to the ever-evolving world of cinematography.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I believe that the realm of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) has garnered a bad reputation primarily due to the speculation surrounding avatar assets which is what most people have come to associate them with. However, I firmly believe that the technology underpinning the NFT domain is remarkable as it facilitates the verification of ownership for digital pieces, in a world where proving the authenticity of assets is becoming increasingly challenging. I ventured into the blockchain space a few years ago, and while assisting artist friends transition from the physical to the digital realm, I ended up founding a company named ArtlasCollective.com. Through this venture, we aim to leverage the transformative potential of NFT technology to support artists in establishing a digital footprint and securing the rightful ownership of their creations. Artlas Collective is a specialized agency that helps and guides artists, including painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, musicians, and more, in their transition from the analog to the digital world through blockchain technology and NFTs. Our focus is on providing artists with the necessary tools, guidance, and support to navigate this new digital landscape. Thanks to our understanding and experience in the complexities of both the art world and the digital space, we offer an unprecedented service that allows artists to fully dedicate themselves to their art while we organize and facilitate their transition into the world of NFTs.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! My overarching goal in my creative journey is to leverage the powerful medium of cinema to spark thought, reflection, and potentially a shift in perspective among audiences. I am enamored with the idea that films, much like books, can serve as windows into different worlds, experiences, and ideologies, yet have the added advantage of reaching a wider audience in today’s visual-centric culture.
I see every project I undertake as an opportunity to not only tell a compelling story but to also challenge conventional thinking, evoke emotions, and instigate meaningful dialogues. The beauty of cinema is its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, thus providing a fertile ground for seeding ideas, promoting empathy, and encouraging self and societal reflection.
Furthermore, as someone committed to continuous growth and evolution, I strive to explore new narrative techniques, experiment with visual aesthetics, and collaborate with diverse teams to bring fresh and impactful perspectives to the screen. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on important societal issues and hope to inspire others to engage in constructive discourse, learn, and evolve.
In a way, my mission resonates with the core essence of cinema – to mirror the myriad facets of human experience, and in doing so, provide a platform for reflection, discussion, and hopefully, a progressive change in mindset.
Contact Info:
- Website: eloimoli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloimoli/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloi-moli-65a53614/