New Optics : Oval IRIS : SICA

🎬 SICA–Cineom Angénieux Oval Iris Hands-On Seminar

📍 Prasad Lab Theatre, Chennai
📅 23rd July 2025

✅ Event Overview

The Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA), in collaboration with Cineom, hosted an exclusive hands-on seminar and technical demo featuring Angénieux’s Oval Iris and their cutting-edge cinema optics technology.

Renowned French lens manufacturer Angénieux, with a legacy of over 90 years, presented their Oval Iris Add-On system and new lens advancements. The event gave cinematographers direct access to test and explore the aesthetic and technical possibilities of these innovative tools.

👤 Key Participants

• From Angénieux:
  • Benoît Brismontier – Area Sales Manager, Cinema Optics
  • Paolo Palmasi – International Customer Service Manager
• From Cineom:
  • Santhosh
  • Medhadeep
  • Ravichandran
• From SICA:
  • Ilavarasu – General Secretary
  • A. Karthikraaja – President
  • Sakthi Saravanan – Treasurer
  • Executive Committee Members & Leading Cinematographers:
    • MS Prabhu
    • Lokanathan Srinivasan
    • Gavemic U Ary
    • Rajesh Yadhav
    • Wide Angle Ravi Shankaran
    • Naga Saravanan

🔍 Technical Highlights of Angénieux Oval Iris Add-On System

Lens Series:

Compatible with Angénieux Optimo Prime Series

Full-frame coverage up to Vista Vision

T-Stop Range:

Consistent T-stops for professional cine standards

Iris Options:

Users can choose different iris blades/shapes for aesthetic flexibility

Options include Oval Iris and Triangle Iris for distinct bokeh effects

Iris and internal filters must be installed by lens technicians prior to the shoot

Design Advantages:

Unique bokeh characteristics replicating anamorphic-style ovals in a modular lens system

Adds emotional depth and visual texture to cinematic compositions

Maintains resolution and clarity across the frame

Modular design allows for future enhancements

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🎨 Aesthetic Appeal

The Oval Iris produces a signature elliptical bokeh, echoing the look of classic anamorphic lenses while retaining the optical clarity of modern primes.

The Triangle Iris offers a creative, stylized aesthetic ideal for mood-driven or surreal sequences.

These iris options provide directors and cinematographers a way to infuse character into the image straight from the lens.

🎥 Live Demo & Feedback

The Cineom team showcased various iris modules, explaining the selection and setup process in detail.

Senior Cinematographer R.D. Rajasekar praised:

The sharpness and clarity of the lens rendering

The expressive potential of the Oval Iris

Interest in exploring these lenses in upcoming projectsCinematographers S.R. Kathir and V. Ekambaram also reviewed the lenses hands-on and showed strong intent to adopt them for future films.

🔮 Future Trends Discussed

Rising demand for expressive optics with vintage character and modern reliability

Increased interest in modular lens systems that allow customization and upgradeability

Practical application of optical bokeh shaping for in-camera storytelling enhancement

Use of full-frame coverage lenses to meet the growing shift toward large-format digital cinematography

🏁 Conclusion

The event marked an important milestone in SICA’s mission to keep Indian cinematographers ahead in technology and craft. The Angénieux Oval Iris Add-On system, through its engineering depth and aesthetic innovation, is poised to influence the visual language of contemporary cinema.

Article by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/ Cinematographer