Apple has showcased insights from award-winning filmmakers who emphasize the advantages of shooting with an iPhone – including its speed, versatility, and remarkable accessibility.
One filmmaker mentioned that the chance for anyone with an iPhone to produce a viable short film signifies that we are “entering a democratic era in filmmaking.”
Apple notes that two filmmakers who took part in a Filmed on iPhone initiative established in India last year received accolades for their works.
Now in its second year, the initiative enables graduates of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image to explore the limits of technology and creativity, shooting with the iPhone 16 Pro Max and editing on the MacBook Pro with M4 Max.
Recently, two films from last year’s participants won the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards India for Best Short Film, Best Director (Short Film), and Best Writing (Short Film).
The initiative provided them with mentorship from seasoned professionals in television and film, including Vetri Maaran.
“Filming on iPhone facilitates complete personal expression,” says Maaran, who is the writer-director for the upcoming Tamil action thriller Vaadivaasal. He feels he learns as much from his mentees as he imparts to them. “We are indeed in an era of democratic filmmaking.”
Another filmmaker pointed out that a significant advantage of shooting on iPhone is the speed and convenience when compared to traditional gear.
“Filming and editing within the Apple ecosystem offers a significant edge: speed,” states writer-director Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his work in film and television including Udaan and Black Warrant.
The rapid performance of the MacBook Pro combined with the user-friendly design of the iPhone 16 Pro Max grants these creators even more control over their craft, both on and off set.
Cinematographer Rohin Raveendran, who has worked on two Netflix series, points out that the compact size opens up creative opportunities that would be impossible with bulkier equipment.
The ability to film with the iPhone 16 Pro Max was crucial to Nair’s narrative approach. “By utilizing the iPhone’s small form factor, I could position the camera inside the typewriter and capture its perspective,” he explains. “This, in conjunction with practical effects using fishing wires, helps animate the device.”
Filmmakers have noted multiple lenses, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and 4K 120fps slow-motion features as key advantages of using the iPhone as a filming platform.
You can view six of the films created through this initiative in the film festival’s Filmed on iPhone playlist.
Highlighted accessories
Photo: Apple
