Meet Aldo Widjaya | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aldo Widjaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aldo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Even before I discovered filmmaking, I knew I wanted a career in a creative field. I’ve always felt drawn to doing something unique, something where I could freely explore and express my creativity. I spent a good few years trying to discover what my canvas was going to be — painting, drawing, sculpting — but none of them ever really captivated me the same way the camera did. It didn’t take long to realize that the camera is my perfect tool for both seeing the world and capturing its beauty.

When I eventually discovered filmmaking and eventually, cinematography, it felt like everything fell into place. The world of cinema, with its ability to blend visuals, sound, and emotion, felt like the perfect canvas for me to express my creativity. My decision to jump into this industry has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, with its share of challenges and setbacks, every moment has been worth it. I wouldn’t trade the experiences or the growth I’ve gained from this path for anything. The highs, the lows, and all the people I’ve met along the way — they’ve all shaped who I am as a cinematographer and as a person, and it’s a journey I wouldn’t have any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always believed that there’s no better medium for storytelling than film, and my love for it started at a young age. Growing up watching movies, I instantly knew that filmmaking was what I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. My style and taste are deeply influenced by my upbringing in a Chinese-Indonesian household in Jakarta, a city that, despite its chaotic energy, holds a unique beauty and charm beneath the surface. This vibrant, contrasting culture shaped who I am, and I bring that perspective to my work. I’ve always tried to see the story beneath the surface, finding the hidden narratives that others might overlook, and I express that through my cinematography.

Jumping into the film industry was one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made, but it has also been the most rewarding. The greatest joy of my work has been collaborating with incredibly talented people from all over the world. Every person I’ve met has influenced me in some way, and I like to think that I’ve impacted them too. The road has not been easy, but I’ve always kept my focus on the end goal. I’ve learned that staying true to myself and persevering through the tough times is key to thriving in this industry.

The journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, creativity, and the power of collaboration. What I want the world to know about my work and my story is that every frame I capture carries a piece of who I am—my experiences, my heritage, and my passion for cinematography and storytelling. I believe that film has the power to reveal the beauty in the chaos, and that’s what I aim to show with every project I take on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Amongst all the places and cities I’ve ever visited in my lifetime LA is truly unrivaled in terms of its diversity both in terms of its people and culture. Oh and also its food! There’s really something for everyone in LA.

LA has some of the best beaches (and sunsets) in the world. If I could stay anywhere in the city I would want to stay somewhere within walking distance to the water. I’ve always loved Santa Monica and used to live there myself and would highly recommend that area to anyone who’s visiting. If you’re looking for somewhere more quiet and peaceful then I’d highly recommend Pasadena with its proximity to the mountains.

The food in LA is really something else. You can find an authentic Mexican joint sitting next to a really traditional Chinese restaurant and both of them would be equally amazing. Oh and in case anyone is wondering, the best tacos in LA is Angel’s Tijuana Tacos in Highland Park. I’m also a big of the K-Town area. There are plenty of spots to get lunch or just hang out and grab a coffee. And they also have plenty of cool bars and clubs if you’re into that sort of stuff.

The last thing I would recommend people do in LA is to check out its nature. I know it’s been somewhat of a shame and tragedy lately with all the fires going on but LA has some of the best hiking spots in the country. I’d recommend trails in Altadena or La Canada but again the recent fires in LA might change that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel very fortunate to have very supportive parents who’ve always believed in me and supported me in all of my creative endeavors. My dad in particular has been a huge inspiration to me. He was an architect so he understood the struggle of trying to make a name for yourself as a creative. Despite all the challenges and setbacks he faced in his career he never gave up on his dream nor lost his passion for architecture. Seeing how he managed to not only overcome his struggles early on in his career but eventually become successful in his field inspired me and motivated me to do the same.

Website: https://www.aldowidjaya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastianaldo16/