EP 120: Jazz in the Frame with Cinematographer Zoë Davidson, CSC

On this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Zoë Davidson, a brilliant Director of Photography whose work speaks volumes — even when there’s no dialogue. Based in Toronto, Zoë’s shot films across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean, and her camera has a way of capturing not just images, but emotion. Her journey is rooted in storytelling, travel, and a deep connection to culture. 

Zoë holds an MFA from Howard University and spent four years teaching digital media before diving full-time into freelance cinematography. She’s worked with heavy hitters like Lionsgate, Terence Nance, and even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But what stands out most isn’t just the scale of her work; it’s the heart behind it. Every frame feels intentional, rich, and alive. 

Her films have screened at Sundance, the Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival, and CaribbeanTales, and she’s taken home major awards, including Best Documentary at Emerging Lens in 2024. She’s also part of powerful collectives like Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Women in Media, and the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, always bringing community into focus. 

In this conversation, we talk about how Zoë lights a scene, how she finds truth through the lens, and what it means to tell stories across borders. It’s honest, inspiring, and full of wisdom for anyone drawn to the art of visual storytelling. 

Zoë Davidson's Website: https://zoedavidson.com/

Zoë Davidson's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10347632/

Zoë Davidson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zdavidson/

Zoë Davidson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zo%C3%ABdavidson

Zoë Davidson's SkillShare: https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Zo%C3%AB-Davidson/4543525?srsltid=AfmBOopeMfgG_PtnfaqbJOKZgHwCWq8QigYHyew7FXDv76VcxAPdxjzt

Zoë Davidson's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/zoedavidson