CONTACT FOR BOOKINGS:

michaeltanjidop@gmail.com

Michael Tanji is a Japanese American cinematographer born & raised on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. He has garnered a reputation & unique visual aesthetic through the way he captures shadows, light, and the modern subject. Originally with a background in fashion filmmaking, he has recently expanded his capturing of images into the music video, commercial, narrative & doc filmmaking spaces. 

In 2021, Tanji received the Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival for both Narrative shorts "River of Small Gods" and "Hawaiian Soul". Juror Mallorie Ortega said: “From the textured and quiet photography in River of Small Gods, to the historical mood captured in Hawaiian Soul, Michael Tanji’s work invites the audience for a closer look at the beauty of Hawaii.” 

In 2022, Tanji was a recipient for Film Independent’s Project Involve fellowship program for the Cinematographer’s track & was selected for the 2022 Panavision Grant Recipient for his work on “The Words of Cayetano”.

His latest short film “Inheritance” directed by Erin Lau & written by Justin Omori premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2022. Inheritance was fostered through The Future Gold Film Fellowship program by Gold House in partnership with Netflix & Tribeca Studios.

In 2025, Tanji lensed the short film "Collectors" by Writer & Director Susie O'Brien having its premiere at Woodstock Film Festival & SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

His latest work for a short documentary directed by Olivé, currently titled "Like Father Like Daughter," has received support from the Sundance Institute and Pacific Islanders in Communications--slated for release in 2026.

Michael Tanji currently resides in Hawaiʻi & Los Angeles, CA.

NOMINATIONS & AWARDS:

 2015 - *WINNER -Special Recognition Award - Laughlin International Film Festival "The Third Love," Directed by Michael Tanji

2015 - *WINNER - Best Music Video - Yosemite Film Festival "Be Myself" Tim Rose, Directed by Jason Sikorsky

2017 - *WINNER - Best Music Video - "Pele Gold" American Advertising Awards District 13

2017 - *WINNER - Best Cinematography - "Pele Gold" American Advertising Awards District 13

2020 - NOMINEE - Best Experimental Film - Berlin Commercial “Brut.”

2020 - NOMINEE - Best Cinematography - Croatia Fashion Film Festival “Brut.”

2020 - NOMINEE - Best Cinematography - Seattle Fashion Film Festival “Brut.”

2021 - *WINNER - Special Jury Award for Cinematography - Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - “Hawaiian Soul” Directed by ʻĀina Paikai

2021 - *WINNER - Special Jury Award for Cinematography - Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - “River of Small Gods” Directed by Bradley Tangonan