the rest of 2025 for people with cameras
Dot’s semi-prophetic take on the trends that will most likely colour the year of the snake.
Even though the latest trend might be the intentional lack of it – thus poignantly but subtly raising your hat to flirt with ‘authenticity’; here’s our little study of what might be vogue in 2025 after connecting common dots between a few notable better-educated reports by household platforms like those by Film Supply, Artlist and New Rules; and then the love letters from our clients.
If you’re a filmmaker/ photographer/ content creator, you’d probably like this distillate, you’re welcome.
1. the human condition endures.
There’s a strong emphasis on genuine, relatable content that prioritizes human connection and emotional depth. A clear focus on real people, unretouched moments, and culturally nuanced storytelling (as cited from the Artlist Trend Report, 2025) really strikes a chord and evokes emotional value.
Let this be a reminder to you to create stories that connect with audiences on a human level to play the strings of their hearts. Recently, a simple experimental video essay of ours which, something of a low-art meditation on urban loneliness, happened to experience the virgin throes of virality not because it was original, unique or extraordinary in its craft, but probably because it was as universal as it was personal (check it out here).
2. Ai is great but Hi is OG.
In a continued vein, there’s a strong emphasis on the irreplaceable value of human creativity and human intelligence (HI), emotional depth, and novel expression, as a counter-trend to the rise of AI. This includes a return to human expertise, technique, and the unfiltered creative process. The focus is on uniquely human qualities like humor, empathy, and cultural nuance. We saw this first hand with positive acclaim that came with Stories of Change, a documentary film we did a while back that put an elusive global lens to the condition of the Global South in dealing with the effects of climate change, with Bangladesh’s example.
AI is increasingly seen as a tool that supports and enhances human creativity rather than replacing it. It’s being used to quickly explore concepts, spark new ideas, and handle routine tasks, allowing creators to focus on unique, emotionally resonant, and aesthetically driven work. However, the importance of human input and oversight remains crucial. Dot’s own use of AI remains in the domains of automations, research and storyboarding – it’s the intern we never knew we needed.
Talk about interesting cultures and traditions – and you’ll most likely have a banger. This is already evident by the rise of South Indian cinema and its literal take-over world wide with films like RRR, Pushpa and Kantara. (Read more here)
3. short-form content is good but long-form is great!
Short-form content is still important, but there is a push toward emotionally impactful storytelling in this format. Brands and creators are working together to produce videos that create a genuine connection with an audience brought to life through long form content.
Also, short-form content is evolving into longer, more narrative-driven formats, with creators making episodic content and exploring TV series formats which people are eating up at this point.
4. retro will always be in.
We can’t think of a time when it wasn’t. Nostalgia and Analog Aesthetics have found a space in the important filmmaking trends of 2025. There is a resurgence in the use of analog techniques, including film, to evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. The tactile quality of film provides a warmth and depth that digital struggles to replicate. This trend represents a return to basics and an appreciation for the unique qualities of traditional methods.
There’s a continued interest in retro styles, particularly those reminiscent of the 1990s and early 2000s. This includes the use of film stock, vintage footage, and analog techniques to create a sense of warmth and familiarity.
5. be bold with colour choices.
Moving away from minimalist aesthetics, there’s a trend towards bold, vibrant colors and high-contrast imagery (sources: Artlist Trend Report, 2025 and Commercial Filmmaking Trend Report 25). This trend emphasizes the use of color as a dynamic storytelling tool, with specific palettes evoking different emotions and moods.
Color is becoming a central element in storytelling and brand identity, with filmmakers using bold, saturated palettes and contrasting colors to create visual impact and evoke specific emotions. Monochromatic tones can create intimacy, while contrasting palettes can inject tension and energy.
Colours continue to speak a language common to us all, we can surely use them to connect with a larger audience.
6. may your cameras be dynamic and your POVs be unique.
As cameras become smaller and more agile, there’s lots of extra room for play. Dynamic camera movements and unique framing are essential for captivating audiences. This includes using techniques such as FPV aerials, twisting/Dutch angles, and subject POV to engage viewers. Filmmakers are also using smaller cameras, probe lenses, and robotic arms to push creative boundaries.
This was seen in the film Substance, the recent cinematic experience that had everyone talking about how the makers used very interesting POV shots to highlight emotions like fear, anxiousness, anger and disgust.
7. docu-style and surrealism - the opposites are going strong.
The once-niche documentary format continues to gain popularity as brands seek to connect authentically with their audiences. This involves a naturalistic approach, focusing on human relationships and real-life moments, rather than overly polished or staged content.
There is also a trend of layering the documented world with a layer of experimentation, using surreal and dreamlike elements in its narrative processes. This involves creating unexpected visuals through in-camera effects, CGI, and animation, with the aim of making a message more impactful, memorable and lending audiences the creator’s sense of subjectivity.
This shows a certain bi-polar preference by our audiences – either keep it real or create a whole different world. There seems to be no in-between.
8. there is a change in the role of influencers.
Brands are moving towards partnering with influencer collectives recognizing their ability to amplify impact and engage broader audiences.
Influencer collectives involve the process of brands using a group of social media influencers to collaborate for creating impactful social media campaigns. Essentially, they act as a unified marketing force with a much wider impact than that of individuals. They could be organised through a single platform or across platforms where an agency manages these collaborations.
These collectives offer versatile solutions that resonate in various business contexts. The focus is on deeper, strategic relationships and mutual growth between brands and creators, moving away from one-off collaborations with single influencers.
9. it's now a party for all ages.
Content is becoming less focused on specific age groups, with a trend towards creating content that appeals to multiple generations as boundaries blur. This is facilitated by social media algorithms that show content based on individual preferences rather than age.
This trend also suggests an opportunity for brands to create more inclusive content and strategic partnerships combining creators of diverse ages in unexpected ways, and focusing on shared interests, values, and experiences.
10. go with the flow but maintain course.
Agile, but adaptive is the mantra of 2025. Brands and filmmakers must be agile and responsive to rapidly changing trends. This means having streamlined workflows, decision-making processes, and a willingness to adapt quickly to new trends. Balancing short-term opportunities with long-term goals is key.
The ability to spot trends and react quickly with authentic content that aligns with brand values is also crucial to create a truly solid foundation.
These trends highlight a move towards more meaningful and intentional storytelling, while also embracing new technologies as tools for creative expression. The emphasis is on connecting with audiences on a human level, whether through emotional narratives, nostalgic aesthetics, or the authentic representation of diverse perspectives.
so here’s a friendly reminder to either keep it real, or go surreal.
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