Devamanikandan Kannaya Somu

Devamanikandan is a distinguished cinematographer known for blending visual artistry with emotionally driven storytelling. Guided by a distinctive aesthetic and a sensitivity to the nuances of human connection across cultures, he has established himself as a versatile and sought-after visual storyteller across television, telemovies, short films, and commercials.

In 2018, he was selected for the prestigious Asian Film Academy Programme in Busan, earning the Certificate of Excellence (New York Film Academy Scholarship) for outstanding contribution among the international cohort. His cinematography for Jillendru Oru Kalavaram received Best Cinematography at the Oniros Film Awards in New York, while the television pilot Amartyan won Best Cinematography (Scripted) at Singapore’s Pradhana Vizha Awards.

As a recipient of the American Society of Cinematographers Vision Mentorship Programme (2022–2023), Dev shadowed acclaimed cinematographer C. Kim Miles ASC, CSC, MYSC, gaining invaluable guidance and insight into the craft of cinematography. He completed his Master’s in Screen Arts: Cinematography at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in 2024, further strengthening his artistic and technical practice.

His recent work continues to be celebrated, with Interview with a Hero earning the Silver Award at the ACS NSW Cinematography Awards in 2025, and in 2026 he brought Crescendo to life as the cinematographer, a film that went on to claim First Place at Tropfest.

Based between Australia and Singapore, Devamanikandan approaches every project with care, collaboration, and a commitment to crafting images that serve the emotional heart of a story.