The French film editor and director Alexandre Donot has worked behind the scenes to shape films and TV series that have been enjoyed by audiences around the world. With an array of credits to his name, Donot has shaped the world of cinema by manipulating plot, score, and sound to refine the onscreen story into a continuous and captivating whole.
Growing up in a family dedicated to the performing arts, Alexandre Donot developed a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling from a young age. But it was his fascination with cinematography that led him to pursue a career in film. His passion for editing stems from his belief that it is a vital part of filmmaking. He explains, "Editing is where you shape the film, where it comes alive. Adding sound and images together is a powerful process."
With a meticulous approach to editing, Donot has left an indelible mark on a wide range of international productions. Perhaps most notably, he edited the feature film "Guy," directed by Alex Lutz. Donot's editing played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of Lutz's vision. Enjoying critical acclaim, the film screened at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Film at the Césars, France’s equivalent to the Oscars, as well as nominated for Best Film at the Globe de Cristal Awards and Lumiere Awards.
With each project, Donot demonstrates his ability to shape and enhance storytelling through skillful editing techniques. A gifted documentary editor, Donot edited the popular six-part Netflix docu-series “The Chef in a Truck,” which chronicles the adventures of the famous Pastry Chef, François Perret, as he travels in a food truck in California. Donot’s editing captures the baking virtuoso’s adventurous spirit and quest for perfection. Donot's ability to refine nuanced narratives is also seen in the film "Our River, Our Sky." Set during the Iraqi war in 2006, the film is a poignant portrayal of the Baghdadi community’s strength.
Donot’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the realm of editing and he recently made a natural transition into directing. Donot’s hometown of Saint-Étienne, which is known for its soccer culture, was the subject of his debut feature, "Le Centre." Released by France 3, the film was praised for authentically reflecting the city's passionate soccer culture.
Looking towards the future, Alexandre Donot hopes to maintain a balance between editing and directing, as each role offers unique opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Although he has edited his own films, he values the fresh perspective that an outside editor brings, stating, "Filmmaking is a collective endeavor, and it's important to benefit from talented collaborators." With talent in high demand, Donot remains committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. His ability to seamlessly transition between roles and draw from his multifaceted experiences is a testament to his versatility and unwavering dedication to the craft of filmmaking.
Follow Alexandre Donot’s work at
www.alexandredonot.com