Vale Ronald Geoffrey Johanson OAM ACS 3/9/1949 - 28/06/2025

The NZCS honours the life and legacy of Ron Johanson ACS OAM, a true giant of our craft.

Ron’s contribution to cinematography was not only marked by his immense technical skill and artistry, but also by the generosity with which he shared his time, his knowledge, and his belief in the next generation. He lifted others up, always with humour, warmth, and that unmistakable Aussie grit.

Here in Aotearoa, many of us had the privilege of working with Ron, or being mentored by him, or simply being inspired by the way he championed the art of storytelling through images. His impact crossed borders and shaped the landscape of screen production across Australasia, as well as resonating on an international level through his work with IMAGO in Europe. 

On a local level, we brought Ron to New Zealand around 10 years ago, to advise us on the practicality of hosting our first Annual NZCS Cinematography Awards. He was highly enthusiastic from the get-go and inspired us to take the plunge and assured us the society would never look back. Of course he was absolutely right and in October we host our 8th Annual Awards and celebrate substantial growth in the NZCS since his visit.  

Ron leaves behind a powerful legacy, not just in the images he helped create, but in the people he nurtured, the standards he set, and the unity he helped build between our international and trans-Tasman screen communities.

From your friends and colleagues across the motu, and from the New Zealand Cinematographers Society — thank you, Ron.

Moe mai rā, rest well.