What I value most in Roberto is his sharp editorial eye. He has a real gift for making even the most difficult contributors open up, capturing those raw, unscripted moments that you can't fake. He has the immense patience to wait for the right beat, knowing exactly when to let a moment breathe to capture something authentic. For Roberto, this is never just a job; he brings a genuine passion to every story he tells. He’s calm, kind, and one of those rare directors who makes everyone on set feel like they’re part of something truly important. I’d recommend him in a heartbeat.

Ada Kwok

Roberto was an indispensable part of our reporting team during Covid. He put together the crew and kept it organized and focused despite the logistical hurdles of the pandemic. He consistently found safe, viable locations under incredibly tight constraints when options were limited. I was able to focus entirely on the story knowing Roberto had the production details covered.

Arfad Al Janabi

I've worked several times with Roberto and each time had a great experience. Roberto is an amazing filmmaker. Flexible yet really always thriving for excellence in his work. Extremely good natured, If I have more AV work, or a film to do, I hope he will be available to work with me!

Cesar Harada

Roberto is a talented and competent DP and director. We've worked on multiple projects together and it was always a pleasure to have him in our teams as his sense of humour and problem-solving mindset are major assets on any production. Having worked in a variety of environments and cultures, Roberto possesses the ability to put both clients and crew members at ease, empathising with their needs. Last but not least, he is capable of working very long hours with the same enthusiasm from the start of the day.

Maggie Tan

I am an award-winning filmmaker with extensive experience in film and television production, with works recognized at international festivals including Sundance, Busan, and Rotterdam. Across my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with many talented cinematographers, and among them, Roberto Pirelli stands out as one of the most exceptional.

Roberto is a truly gifted visual storyteller. Whether working in narrative or documentary contexts, he possesses a rare ability to translate emotion and story into powerful visual language. His framing is consistently precise and expressive, and his instinct for lighting allows me, as a director, to fully trust the image without hesitation.

Having worked together for over a decade, our collaboration is built on deep mutual understanding and trust. Our first project together, a three-hour documentary on the Karst landscapes in Guangxi, required us to descend 150 meters underground. In such extreme conditions, trust is not optional; it is essential. Roberto demonstrated not only technical mastery but also calmness, resilience, and exceptional problem-solving ability under pressure.

This adaptability continues to define his work. In fast-paced production environments such as Hong Kong, where schedules are tight and conditions constantly shift, Roberto consistently delivers high-quality results with remarkable efficiency and precision.

One of our most memorable collaborations was on my feature documentary Rather Be Ashes Than Dust (2023). Working in confined and unpredictable environments, I often only needed to share the core idea of a scene, and Roberto would respond with visually striking and emotionally grounded footage. His ability to intuitively understand and elevate the director’s vision is truly impressive.

Roberto Pirelli has been my long-term cinematographer, and regardless of whether I am working on narrative or documentary projects, he is always the first person I think of. I recommend him without hesitation to any filmmaker seeking a cinematographer of the highest artistic and professional standard.

ALAN LAU