Max Cookward is an award-winning movement and film artist working across directing, choreography, movement direction and live-show capture.

His practice moves between bodies, camera, choreography and creative direction — building worlds for music videos, live shows, performance and cinematic work. Often creating hybrid roles inside projects, Max works beyond a single category, shaping the physical, visual and emotional language of each work.

Recent projects include personal film releases with NOWNESS; dancer and on-stage camera operator for FKA twigs’ BODY HIGH world tour; live-show film direction for Sega Bodega at SXSW; and show and movement direction for Charlie Le Mindu couture collections. Max was also part of the choreographic team for Yung Lean and GENER8ION’s Storm, working closely with Romain Gavras and Damien Jalet.

Max began his career as a dancer, performing internationally in lead roles including Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show, and dancing with companies such as Rambert and Theo Adams Company. This embodied background continues to inform his work as a director and image-maker, bringing a performer’s sensitivity to the camera, the body and the live moment.

SELECTED CLIENTS / COLLABORATORS

adidas Y-3 / Anitta / Betsy Johnson / Blackhaine / Charlie Le Mindu / Dazed / Damien Jalet / Diesel / Dua Lipa / FKA twigs / Fontaines D.C. / GENER8ION / Holly Blakey / Jean Paul Gaultier / Jordan Hemingway / Luna Carmoon / Magnus Westwell / Marion Motin / Moncler / Nike Japan / NOWNESS / Rambert / Romain Gavras / ROMBAUT / Saint Laurent / Sega Bodega / Simone Bozzelli / Theo Adams Company / Tim Walker / Victoria and Albert Museum / Vic De Angelis / Years & Years / Yung Lean / ZARA

EDUCATION / RECOGNITION

CICLOPE Award winner, choreography / MA Distinction, Rambert School / BBC Young Dancer finalist / Best Dance Film, Berlin Indie Film Festival / Best Experimental Short, Hawaii Film Awards / Best Cinematography, San Francisco Arthouse Short Film Festival