‘Human’ explores the many meanings of life found across the globe

They are fighters, victims, murderers and survivors whose anonymous yet deeply personal interviews form the backbone of a new film from French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand that seeks to capture our experience on earth. Over the course of the sprawling three-hour-plus film, we meet a lesbian battling AIDS, a poor farmer whose joy in life is rainfall, a desperate migrant and many others. Filmed close up, staring straight into the camera with a simple black background, they were all asked the same questions like: “Do you feel free?” and “What is the meaning of life?”

I feel like we are touching upon something essential. What does it mean to be a human being?

French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand

No context is provided for any of the interviews — no names, titles or nationalities. Nor are there any experts explaining the meaning of the interviews. Instead the message is in the choice of who appears onscreen and what they say. Arthus-Bertrand focuses on the impact of war, discrimination, family and money — especially from the point of view of those from the most humble origins. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon were among the celebrities interviewed for the project, but both of their contributions ended up on the cutting room floor. Arthus-Bertrand said little emotion and frankness poured out in those interviews, unlike those with regular people.

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