Maximilien Van Aertryck

From the first camera to 45 billion cameras worldwide today, the visual sociologist filmmakers widen their lens to expose both humanity's unique obsession with the camera's image and the social consequences that lay ahead.

A short film about how economic interests have, throughout history, influenced how we use the camera — from the earliest photographs to today’s algorithms and AI. This visual essay expands on themes from the acclaimed documentary about the history of the camera and our relationship to it, “And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine.”

A group of old friends reunite for an evening. Something ugly is bubbling up to the surface.

Award-winning filmmakers Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck turn their lens on us once more—chronicling the impact of Camera Obscura, the advent of the personal phone camera, and the explosion of social media communication upon society’s concepts of self and images.

From the first camera to 45 billion cameras worldwide today, the visual sociologist filmmakers widen their lens to expose both humanity's unique obsession with the camera's image and the social consequences that lay ahead.

From the first camera to 45 billion cameras worldwide today, the visual sociologist filmmakers widen their lens to expose both humanity's unique obsession with the camera's image and the social consequences that lay ahead.

From the first camera to 45 billion cameras worldwide today, the visual sociologist filmmakers widen their lens to expose both humanity's unique obsession with the camera's image and the social consequences that lay ahead.

Shot live in the studio during the evening broadcast on Swedish public television, the film shows the news like you've never seen them before.

Shot live in the studio during the evening broadcast on Swedish public television, the film shows the news like you've never seen them before.

Shot live in the studio during the evening broadcast on Swedish public television, the film shows the news like you've never seen them before.

10 Meter Tower is a short film taking place in a swimming pool with 6 cameras aimed at the tallest diving tower. All focus is on the 43 people between 9 and 78 years old. They have one thing in common, this is the first time in their lives they climb up to the platform to make the decision whether to jump or not. The situation itself highlights a dilemma: to weigh the instinctive fear of taking the step out against the humiliation of having to climb down.

10 Meter Tower is a short film taking place in a swimming pool with 6 cameras aimed at the tallest diving tower. All focus is on the 43 people between 9 and 78 years old. They have one thing in common, this is the first time in their lives they climb up to the platform to make the decision whether to jump or not. The situation itself highlights a dilemma: to weigh the instinctive fear of taking the step out against the humiliation of having to climb down.

A weak woman in the role of a victim; a rough, brutal man who carries out orders of gruesome murders; a hoarse mafioso; car chases. Pictures and events few have seen in real life but which everyone knows from the world of film. In 2012 the filmmaker Maximilen Van Aertryck was invited to make a film about the feature film Salvo. Extra Material follows recording sessions with the critically acclaimed Italian mafia film, which won awards in Cannes in 2013.

A highly choreographed review of the Industrial Age as we know it today – an intense and playful roller coaster ride that demands the viewer confronts how “work works.” Culled entirely from archival footage, the film unfolds in the filmmakers’ trademark, and humorously critical, cinematic voices.

A highly choreographed review of the Industrial Age as we know it today – an intense and playful roller coaster ride that demands the viewer confronts how “work works.” Culled entirely from archival footage, the film unfolds in the filmmakers’ trademark, and humorously critical, cinematic voices.

In the Swedish general elections of 2014, the Sweden Democrats (far-right) became the Riksdag's third largest party. By tradition - and through a formal vote - the chamber honors the largest parties by awarding them the Speaker and three Deputy Speaker posts. Filmed in the Swedish parliament, “Second Deputy Speaker” gives a critical study of politics and symbols of resistance in parliamentary procedures.

A ferry makes its way through the ice floating in the wintery Baltic Sea. Yet the ice has long since broken inside the ship thanks to the evening's entertainment: with their presentation, the artists breathe a moment of magic into a world which already seems rather unreal. The film evokes a journey into the unknown, full of nostalgia and hope.

A short film about how economic interests have, throughout history, influenced how we use the camera — from the earliest photographs to today’s algorithms and AI. This visual essay expands on themes from the acclaimed documentary about the history of the camera and our relationship to it, “And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine.”

A short film about how economic interests have, throughout history, influenced how we use the camera — from the earliest photographs to today’s algorithms and AI. This visual essay expands on themes from the acclaimed documentary about the history of the camera and our relationship to it, “And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine.”

A short film about how economic interests have, throughout history, influenced how we use the camera — from the earliest photographs to today’s algorithms and AI. This visual essay expands on themes from the acclaimed documentary about the history of the camera and our relationship to it, “And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine.”

A sharp, humorous examination of Almedalen Week in the Gotland province of Sweden, an annual event where thousands of politicians, lobbyists, and citizens gather for the ultimate showcase of political theater.