​Stephen Cullina is a cinematographer who seeks to push the boundaries on every shoot, exploring the possibilities of creating fictional spaces in the mind. He is a senior at Syracuse University studying Film with a specialization in cinematography. He blends a traditional lighting style with modern sensibilities to create refreshing, genuine images that avoid the cliches of digital cinematography.


In 2022, Stephen was awarded a 10-week mentorship program with Ghetto Film School which included a $3,000 grant to produce a narrative short. Since then, Stephen has made two sci-fi shorts, acting as both director and cinematographer. These films accumulated awards in the festival circuit, including: Best Student Cinematographer, Best Student Director - Los Angeles Cinematography Awards, Best Cinematographer of the Student Film - Sydney Student International Film Festival, Official Selection (World Premiere) - DC Shorts International Film Festival, Best Cinematography - ARFF Berlin, Semi Finalist(College Category) - Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival, Finalist - Best Student Film Cinematography - Canadian Cinematography Awards, Honorable Mention -  Blackbird Film Festival, Semifinalist(Best Student Film) - Lulea International Film Festival, Best Student Film, Best Supporting Actress - Milan Independent Awards.


Stephen studied 35mm analog cinematography at Filmová a televizní fakulta Akademi (FAMU) in Prague, Czech Republic during spring 2024. During this time he learned to blend classical techniques of composition and balance into the film medium, drawing from artists such as Petr Brandl, Caravaggio, and Ivan Ivazovsky. This culminated in the cinematography of “Den Hnevu,” shot entirely on 35mm by Stephen.