Human Nature: Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck

As a warm-up to one of the most extraordinary films we’re showing this year (Fantastic Machine), we present a shorts retrospective from the directorial duo.

You may already be familiar with their work, particularly after their short *Ten Metre Tower * garnered millions of views when The New York Times picked it up. The simple yet poignant (and very funny) documentary captures the raw emotion of individuals facing their anxieties atop a 10-metre-high diving board. A prime example of the directors' skill in humorously and inventively portraying human emotion.

While Axel & Max collaborate closely as directors, they're integral members of the larger team at Plattform Produktion, established by producer Erik Hemmendorff and director Ruben Östlund in 2002. As a collective of filmmakers, they’ve been breaking ground for nearly two decades. With an array of accolades under the company’s belt, including Palme d’Ors, Golden Bears, and numerous jury and audience awards, their short and feature film portfolio is utterly awe-inspiring, and this selection of shorts is a fine example of the work they produce.

Films

Second Deputy Speaker - 15 mins
Fight on a Swedish Beach - 15 mins
Ten Metre Tower - 16 mins
Because the World Never Stops - 11 mins
Jobs for All! - 13 mins