The 2025 Camerimage film festival will kick off with the premiere of Anemone, marking the directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis. This much-anticipated film features the return of his father, the acclaimed three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrays Ray, a hermit grappling with past traumas in isolation for two decades. The festival, renowned for celebrating the art of cinematography, will take place from November 15-23, 2025, in Toruń, Poland.
In Anemone, Ray’s secluded life is disrupted by his brother Jem, played by Sean Bean, who seeks to reconnect with his son, Brian, portrayed by Samuel Bottomley. As Jem reaches out for help, the film explores themes of familial connection and emotional healing against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes.
The film first premiered at the New York Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. David Rooney, chief reviewer for The Hollywood Reporter, praised Daniel Day-Lewis’s “riveting performance” and commended the cinematography by Ben Fordesman. Rooney highlighted the “arresting widescreen images” that depict the Northern English landscapes and dense woodlands, creating a visually compelling narrative.
The festival organizers expressed their enthusiasm for Anemone, stating, “This film exemplifies the kind of filmmaking that defines the spirit of EnergaCAMERIMAGE—cinema where image and emotion intertwine to create a profound artistic experience.” Fordesman, known for his work on films such as Saint Maud and The Thing With Feathers, is expected to leave a significant mark with his visual storytelling.
The Camerimage festival also announced its complete lineup for the competition, which includes a range of visually striking films. Notable titles vying for the prestigious Golden Frog award for best film include Sinners by Ryan Coogler, shot by Autumn Durald Arkapaw; Hamnet by Chloé Zhao, photographed by Łukasz Żal; F1: The Movie directed by Joseph Kosinski, lensed by Claudio Miranda; A Complete Unknown by James Mangold, shot by Phedon Papamichael; and A House of Dynamite directed by Kathryn Bigelow, filmed by Barry Ackroyd.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for Anemone and the diverse array of films set to be showcased, reaffirming Camerimage’s status as a premier event celebrating cinematic artistry.
