A method of operating an aircraft cabin illumination system, having a plurality of light modules with a set spatial distribution across an aircraft cabin, includes receiving an image; mapping the image to the set spatial distribution of the plurality of light modules; generating an illumination command set, including an operating command for each of the plurality of light modules, on the basis of the mapping of the image to the set spatial distribution of the plurality of light modules; and issuing the illumination command set to the plurality of light modules.