Maximilien Van Aertryck

Documentary film from 2025 by directors Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck. 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.”

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