Harbor has signed French colorist Karim El Katari, a creative force behind a portfolio of Cannes-nominated films, high-profile restorations, and campaigns for globally renowned brands.
El Katari’s career boasts high-profile collaborations on projects that have garnered attention for excellence in craft artistry. His work on Asghar Farhadi’s The Past, a Palme d’Or nominee at the Cannes Film Festival, and the Camerimage-recognized series Germinal solidified his standing as a master of crafting a cinematic visual language. His credits span international hits like To Catch a Killer (FilmNation), Message from the King (Netflix), and One Nation, One King (Studio Canal). El Katari was also tapped to restore iconic films, working alongside luminaries like Wim Wenders on Paris, Texas and Jean-Jacques Annaud on The Bear, and working with Warner Brothers/Metropolitan for Tony Scott’s True Romance.
In the commercial realm, El Katari has brought his signature style to luxury brands L’Oréal, Maison Margiela, and Cartier, partnering with creative shops TBWA Paris, Sid Lee, and Moment Factory.
El Katari began his career in Paris in 2010 at Éclair Laboratories, a post house where he honed his craft to master the intricate art of color timing and the photochemical process. This foundation has allowed him to uniquely blend analog expertise with cutting-edge digital approaches, giving his work a distinct and timeless quality.
El Katari said, “I am honored to be part of such an impressive group of creatives at Harbor. I chose Harbor for two key reasons: its unwavering commitment to excellence for both clients and artists, and its strong culture of collaboration among colorists and cross-discipline artists. The energy and vision at Harbor are truly inspiring, and I’m eager for the work ahead.”
“Karim is a rare talent,” said Harbor sr. colorist Damien Vandercruyssen, “His ability to seamlessly blend traditional techniques with bold, innovative ideas makes him stand out in the industry. Filmmakers are drawn to his artistry.”
“Signing Karim El Katari deepens the artistic bench at Harbor,” said Massimo D’Avolio, EVP of postproduction at Harbor. “As the demand for avant-garde visuals continues to grow, Karim’s unique approach and expertise put us in an unparalleled position to deliver for our clients.”
