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Apple has recently emphasized insights from celebrated filmmakers regarding the advantages of capturing footage on iPhones. They point out the device’s remarkable speed, versatility, and ease of access.
One filmmaker remarked that the ability for anyone with an iPhone to produce a quality short film signifies that we are currently experiencing a “democratic era in filmmaking.”
Last year, two filmmakers who took part in the Filmed on iPhone initiative in India earned accolades for their works, as highlighted by Apple.
Now in its second year, this program empowers alumni from the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image to explore the frontiers of technology and creativity, utilizing the iPhone 16 Pro Max for filming and the MacBook Pro with M4 Max for editing.
Two films from last year’s cohort recently triumphed at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards India, winning accolades for Best Short Film, Best Director (Short Film), and Best Writing (Short Film).
The initiative provided participants access to mentorship from industry veterans, including the renowned Vetri Maaran.
“Filming with an iPhone enables total personal expression,” stated Maaran, the writer-director of the forthcoming Tamil action thriller Vaadivaasal. He expressed that he learns just as much from his mentees as he imparts to them, remarking, “We’re in an era where filmmaking is more accessible to everyone.”
Another filmmaker emphasized the advantage of speed and convenience that iPhones offer in comparison to traditional filming equipment.
“Having the ability to shoot and edit within the Apple ecosystem provides a significant advantage: efficiency,” explained Vikramaditya Motwane, a writer-director known for works such as Udaan and Black Warrant.
The swift performance of the MacBook Pro, coupled with the user-friendly nature of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, empowers these creators with even greater artistic control both on and off the set.
Cinematographer Rohin Raveendran, who has worked on two Netflix series, also noted that the compact design of the iPhone opens up creative opportunities that larger equipment would hinder.
“The choice to shoot on the iPhone 16 Pro Max significantly shaped my narrative. Its small size allowed me to position the camera inside a typewriter to capture its perspective,” he shared. “This, along with practical effects using fishing wires, truly brings the device to life.”
Filmmakers have highlighted various features of the iPhone that enhance its appeal as a shooting platform, including multiple lenses, Cinematic and Action modes, as well as the ability to shoot in 4K at 120fps slow-motion.
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