A highlight of 2024 for me was the privilege of shadowing Director of Photography, Oliver Bokelberg, ASC, on the set of Last Days. Learning how he collaborated with Director Justin Lin to bring this powerful story to life felt like an accelerated course in cinematography. This experience has significantly impacted my craft and I will forever be grateful. 🙏🏼
Thank you to @the__asc for introducing me to Oliver.
Also, huge shout out to Joe Coffey (DIT) for patiently answering my gazillion questions and allowing me to observe his work up close.
This incredible film premieres today, Tuesday Jan 28, at Sundance @sundanceorg !!!
Director: @justinlin
Director of Photography: @obokelberg
DIT: @jwcoffey
Photos 2+3 by: @sbp.jpg
Alyson here, I am a lover of films that build community, challenge norms, and reshape how we see ourselves and the world around us. I happen to tell those stories from Edinburgh, by way of Bermuda.
After earning my MA in Media Studies from The New School in New York, I became an additional cinematographer on Following Harry, documenting the final years of actor, singer, and humanitarian Harry Belafonte’s life. The years I spent on Following Harry taught me to see activism and artistry as inseparable.
This experience set me on a beautiful path into cinematography across countries and communities. I’ve worked on narrative shorts, advocacy campaigns, series, and documentaries, while also spending tender moments teaching art and gardening to hundreds of children.
When I’m not behind the camera, look for me outside, nestled somewhere on Arthur’s Seat or seeking to meet my goal of petting every cat I see.
I’m always on the lookout for stories that feel honest enough to make us uncomfortable. If you’ve got one, I’d love to shoot it. Let’s make something that lingers.
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Photo 1 by @beseenphotography_
Photo 3 by @matt_hill_photo
Photo 4 by @sannegault
Photo 5 by @ceciliaavolpi_ph
Years ago I saw a documentary on the life of Harry Belafonte called Sing Your Song. This film moved me so much that I made a personal commitment to work in film for the rest of my life. I started by seeking to be a part of the team that created Sing Your Song.
I worked as an additional Cinematographer, documenting the final years of actor, activist, and humanitarian Harry Belafonte’s life for the documentary film, Following Harry.
Mr. B taught me what it means to be an artist, and how to share truth with the tools I use to create. I learned how emotion lives in framing, and how my experiences shape how I see, and the way in which I position my camera. Mr. B’s commitment to justice shaped my understanding of the camera as a powerful instrument of connection.
During my time on the film I also had the profound opportunity to work on multiple initiatives and events with Mr. B. Through these experiences I met some incredible and unforgettable humans!
11 years later, in 2024, Following Harry premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and had its London premiere a few months later. Sitting in the audience in London, I saw moments I had shot woven into the final edit. My images are now part of the visual tapestry of a remarkable man’s final chapter. And my memories are cemented into time through this documentary. It stands as a constant reminder of the good we are capable of as humans, the power of film, and why I chose this path. I will always be grateful for the words of wisdom and guidance Mr. Belafonte offered.
May he rest in peace.
Thank you to Director Susanne Rostock @susannerostock , who trusted me behind the camera, starting off my journey as a Cinematographer and still encouraging and supporting me to this day! ❤️
Also, thanks to Martina Radwan and Thor Thielow @thordpnyc . I got to work with, and observe their work on Following Harry, and their Cinéma vérité techniques are unmatched and still inspire me.
@followingharryfilm
The Bermuda Arts Council (BAC) has announced the fourth quarter recipients of its 2025 grants, continuing its support for Bermuda’s creative community.
This round of funding recognises artists and cultural projects across multiple disciplines, including Jordan Carey (Loquat Winter Programming), Ayana Bean (The Zaraya B. Series children’s book), Alex Andre (The Kazi: Village Rescue animated short film), and Alyson Thompson (feature-length documentary on Bermuda’s civil disturbances).
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said the Government remains committed to investing in Bermuda’s creative sector and supporting projects that celebrate Bermudian stories and cultural identity.
The Bermuda Arts Council’s increased annual funding continues to empower artists and organisations whose work enriches Bermuda’s cultural landscape.
Learn more about BAC grants and the 2026 application process:
👉 www.artscouncil.bm
So much joy that people leave their jobs early to celebrate.
Cup Match Eve, Bermuda 2025.
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📷: Canon AE1
🎞️: Lomo 400 Thank you @meredithphoto
🧪: @amimagelab
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#analogphotography #bermuda #blackwomenphotographers
Wishing Lady MacLean bon voyage as it embarks on its festival circuit, with an early nomination for Best Scottish Film from @thelistuk following its premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest
Learned a lot, grew a lot, ready for whats next.
BTS Pic by @ktphoto__
+ a few more stills from the film
