When many of us think of theatre and film, we picture the thrill of showtime, the call of action, and the timeless question: ‘to be or not to be?’
While these fields are undeniably action-packed and creative, they encompass so much more. They’re about crafting and studying whole worlds. Theorizing and analyzing all those intricate moving parts that build experiences. Delighting audiences and inspiring them to reflect upon their own assumptions of what it means to be human.
The Department of Theatre and Film at UBC is home to a diverse group of passionate and talented professors, staff, and students, who specialize in a wide range of theories, practices, genres, and methods. Next up in this series is Antoine Bourges, Assistant Professor, Film Production. Antoine discusses the classes he teaches, his favourite spot on campus—the Belkin Gallery—and offers a sneak peek into his upcoming film project.
Which courses do you teach?
I currently teach FIPR 230, Introduction to Motion Picture Direction, and FIPR 333, Film and Media Production II.
What can students expect in your classes?
A hands-on experience learning various filmmaking approaches through practical exercises.
What advice do you have for students?
Be curious. Everything you experience can feed into your art, so experience a lot—try new things, watch films outside your usual taste, go to art shows.
How did you know academia was for you?
I considered different paths to support myself as a filmmaker, including commercials and TV/episodic directing. However, after teaching workshops and working as a TA during my master’s program, I found teaching the most stimulating. Engaging with students and having to articulate my own ideas about film sparks new creative insights for me too.
Tell us about a project you are currently working on
I am writing a film set in the South of France, loosely inspired by a novel from the region. It will be my first film in my native language, which I’m very excited about.
A still from Antoine’s last feature film, Concrete Valley, which premiered at TIFF in 2022.
What is your favourite place on campus?
The Belkin Gallery (and admission is free!)
What is your favourite way to relax?
Watching Miyazaki’s Ponyo with my child.
What is a movie that you’ve enjoyed lately?
I finally watched Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World (directed by Radu Jude) and really loved it.
