Shabier Kirchner, an accomplished cinematographer who has worked on several
acclaimed projects, is the latest recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and
Meritorious Service Award.
Born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Shabier moved to New York City in 2011
to pursue a career in Filmmaking.
His most recent work, PAST LIVES, is Celine Song’s debut feature for A24,
starring John Magaro, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo. Shabier was named one of
Variety’s 10 Artisans to watch in 2023 due to his work on the film.
In 2020, he collaborated with Academy Award winner, Steve McQueen, lensing
his anthology series, SMALL AXE, for which he was nominated for an Emmy
award for Cinematography, and won the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and
Television Award) for outstanding photography in a limited series.
In that same year, he went to Nigeria to shoot Akinola Davies’ short LIZZARD
which was nominated for a BAFTA and won Best Short at the Sundance Film
Festival.
Before that, he shot BULL, a feature directed by Annie Silverstein for which
Shabier was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography.
BULL was also selected for several festivals including Cannes’ Un Certain
Regard.
Other credits include ONLY YOU, Harry Wootliff’s award-winning film starring
Josh O’Connor and Laia Costa; and SOLLIERS POINT with Matthew Poterfield.
In 2018, Shabier worked on Benh Zeitlin’s feature film WENDY where he served
as 2nd unit and B Camera cinematographer. In the same year, he went on to shoot
the feature film SKATE KITCHEN for Pulse Films with director Crystal Moselle
which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, with whom he
also shot the short film, THAT ONE DAY.
Variety Magazine profiled Shabier as one of ten Cinematographers to watch.
At Monday’s Investiture ceremony held at Government House, Governor General
Sir Rodney Williams, congratulated Shabier and his parents, Bert and Faye, for his
outstanding achievements thus far, in his career.
“Shabier, your recognition to date is a testament to your exceptional talent and
dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Your journey from our shores to the world
stage serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, artists, and dreamers within
our nation. Your achievements underscore the boundless possibilities that emerge
when talent meets determination, and I am delighted, as Governor General of
Antigua and Barbuda to recognize your Meritorious Service in the Fine Arts,” Sir
Rodney stated.
