Construction Site / Le Chantier

A fascinating documentary about the renovation of a legendary cinema in Paris (Gaumont now Pathé Palace) led by architect Renzo Piano.

Filmed over three years, it presents a microcosm of society, examining the realities of the work that goes into creating the magic of cinema, with all its roles and hierarchies.

The project synthesises themes Swiss director Jean-Stéphane Bron has long explored, this time through the specific lens of a construction site. It follows the relationships among architects, owners, contractors, engineers, workers, and cleaning staff. Fascinated by the site, he sees it as a metaphor for a post Covid-19 society rebuilding itself.

“Le Chantier serves as a reminder of how humans work and of how complex planning and execution of these visions are”. Cineuropa