Alexandre Humbert. Questioning the object in images

What led you towards becoming a director?

During my Master’s programme at DAE, I started to get interested in the scripting of an object and its interaction with time and space. When I made my first film, I was a complete novice. But despite my lack of knowledge of the profession, this new status as a composer of images allowed me to better understand the medium. I then worked for a year in an advertising agency, which enabled me to construct my vision and familiarise myself with teamwork. At the same time, I was also studying film theory. Then, in 2016, building on my different experiences, I founded my own studio. Today, I see myself as a builder of cinematographic objects. The object is not the end. On the contrary, it is the start of the narrative.

Your ‘Object Interview’ documentary series is a vast reflection on design. What do you think is the fundamental question a designer should ask themself?

I designed my last chair in 2012 ... I think it is important to question the need to produce new objects. I am interested in putting what already exists in perspective. When I film a Thonet chair, I want to place it in a current context, then question its relevance today.

Even when you are filming the behind-the-scenes of the move of the Ghent Design Museum collection to a new archival location, your perspective is often quirky, but also very poetic. Is it important to show what’s happening behind the curtain?

When I walk into a museum, my main feeling is admiration. Immersing yourself in the history of design is both fascinating and dizzying. I use poetry or humour in order to reach as many people as possible. And even when my tone is sarcastic, I try to infuse my remarks with optimism.