Short Documentary AFIN 286
HOWARD TANGYE
Directed by 
Emilie Grubert
AFIN 2025 Nominee
- 2025
- 24m
-
Belgium - English
- G
Stills
3 frames
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Credits
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Music & Sound
Synopsis
This intimate portrait captures the life and work of Howard Tangye, a celebrated Australian artist who has lived and worked in London since the late 1960s. Renowned for his evocative drawings, Tangye reflects on his journey from a childhood in Mount Isa, Australia, to becoming Head of Women's Wear at Central Saint Martins, where he mentored luminaries like John Galliano and Stella McCartney.
Filmed in his North London atelier, the film follows Tangye as he creates a new drawing, his voice narrating a mosaic of personal memories: discovering his passion for art, the transformative experience of studying in London, and the liberating exuberance of the gay scene in 1970s New York. Against the backdrop of his evolving artwork, Tangye speaks with disarming honesty about love, loss, and the enduring importance of looking within - both in art and life.
Accompanied by an original soundscape by the Danish composer Sol Over Neon, 'Howard Tangye - A Portrait of an Artist' offers a poignant meditation on creativity, beauty, and the artist's role in preserving the fragile dreams that inspire us all.
Director's Statement
I have always been fascinated by the art of storytelling - how it allows us to connect, reflect, and understand the world and ourselves. For me, design and filmmaking are both extensions of this pursuit. As a designer, I use design as a tool for storytelling and often document my designs through moving images. Filmmaking offers a unique intimacy - a way to delve deeper into personal narratives and the subtleties of human experience, and to highlight tiny details. Details that give depth to understanding, which would otherwise have passed us unnoticed. 'Howard Tangye - A Portrait of an Artist' is my first venture into long-form filmmaking, and it emerged from a desire to honor Howard Tangye’s remarkable journey as an artist, teacher, and human being. Howard’s life story - his reflections on art, his creative process, and the experiences that shaped him - strikes me as both profoundly personal and universally resonant. As my teacher at Central Saint Martins, he taught me to see and to trust my own voice, and I wanted to share his wisdom and brilliance with the rest of the world. Through his voice, the film became not just a portrait of Howard but also a meditation on the power of creativity and the importance of staying true to one’s vision. This film is a deeply personal project. As a self-taught filmmaker, I approached it with curiosity, intuition, and a pure intention to show Howard as I experience him. It is my hope that the film will inspire others to look closely - at art, at life, and at their own creative dreams.
What makes this one special
Director's Biography
Emilie Grubert Director
Originally from Denmark, Emilie Grubert is a multidisciplinary designer based in Bruges in Belgium. Emilie’s path first led her to London, where she earned a First-class Honours Degree in Women’s Wear from Central Saint Martins in 2008, and in 2014, she deepened her practice with a Master’s Degree with Distinction from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art and Design.
Emilie has lived and worked in cities around the world, from London and Paris to Singapore and Shanghai. During her time in Shanghai, she served as academic leader, designer, and senior lecturer at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art.
As a designer, Emilie’s work revolves around storytelling, brought to life through moving image, large-scale 3D illustrations, and wearable art. Her collaborations with artists, musicians, and choreographers have been featured in music videos and exhibitions across Europe.
A self-taught filmmaker, Emilie’s debut documentary, 'Howard Tangye - A Portrait of an Artist', explores the life and philosophy of the artist Howard Tangye. The film marks a significant step in Emilie’s multidisciplinary journey, blending her passion for art and design with her love for storytelling and moving images.
Trailer
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HOWARD TANGYE was an official Nominee for Best Documentary Short Subject at the AFIN International Film Festival 2025, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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