A clash of egos

In 1982, the newly elected French president Francois Mitterrand decided that an ultra-modern opera house would be built on the Bastille Place, a symbol of the Revolution.

In a blind competition, 750 hopeful firms send designs. Word leaks out that the winner will be prominent American architect Richard Meier.

During the formal announcement, the Minister of Culture stutters an unexpected name: Carlos Ott from Canada. No one has heard of him; he certainly is not Richard Meier. What happened?

François Mitterrand looks thrilled, but not so much his sworn enemy and Mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, who did everything to stop the construction of the Bastille Opera.

A clash of egos

In 1982, newly elected French president Francois Mitterrand decided to build an ultra-modern opera house on the Bastille Place, the symbol of the Revolution. In a blind competition, 750 hopeful firms send designs.

During the formal announcement, the Minister of Culture stutters an unexpected name: Carlos Ott from Canada. No one has heard of him before. So, what happened?

François Mitterrand looks thrilled, unlike his sworn enemy and Mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, who will do everything he can to stop the Bastille Opera in its tracks.

Carving Divinity

Miyabori is a traditional wood carving technique used in Japanese temples and shrines.

It’s an obscure and underrated form of art that has been offered a new lease on life thanks to long trained and skillful masters.

Elizabeth Tinsley, a specialist in Buddhist culture and former fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is exploring landmarks as well as workshops of Miyabori master carvers to unveil this Japanese hidden treasure that might have inspired Hokusai’s Great Wave.

From the Edo era to the more recent industrial period

Japan has a long and rich history covering many areas and the best way to approach these many facets is to visit the museums scattered around the country.

This series spans the Edo era to the more recent industrial period.

The architect of the elements

Itami Jun is a Japanese-born Korean architect.

In this film, he revisits the places he cherished, specifically the thoughtful and sensitive architectural works he designed.

His original and innovative approach has been revealed in the design of ensembles and by a meticulous choice of materials. Favoring wood, stone, and metal, he has revived the tradition of harmony with nature for a more humane architecture.

Also available as a 112'

Passing on culture through the performing arts

An organization named “les Robinsons des Glaces” visits local populations who see their way of life disappear.

PROJECT CIRQ’ARTIC aims to help young Inuits reconnect with their traditions by promoting cultural transmission through live performances.

During the whole summer, the organization went to isolated villages on the east coast of Greenland to introduce young people to the circus and performing arts in order to present a show in front of the entire community.

Descendants of miners

The Louvre-Lens Museum was built on a mine, the site of the former pit 9.

This film tells the story of those who work there, descendants of miners inhabited by their new responsibilitý, men and women of culture mobilized by a common passion.

An icon of the eighties

Andrée Putman, an internationally renowned stylist and interior designer, has left an indelible mark on the world of design.

She embodies “the chic Parisian woman, always impeccable, who leaves nothing to chance”, said her daughter Olivia, who took over from her.

This film looks back at the career and legacy of this icon of the eighties.

From conception to fame

This series tells the story of great works of art exhibited in major museums to understand better what made them famous.

Each episode follows the journey of a painting or sculpture from its genesis to the moment it becomes prominent.

It unveils the creative process behind these works and their often tumultuous destinies. Indeed, some were stolen or looted, others vanished then reappeared, and others still were objects of scandals and despised to be finally acclaimed as masterpieces.

One of the greatest playwrights

Born in New York in 1915, Arthur Miller has created some of the most memorable stage plays in the world of literature over seven decades, becoming one of the greatest playwrights of the century. He never stopped being curious and was constantly pushing his limits.

This is a portrait of a fascinating man who, by marrying Marilyn Monroe, became a genuine American icon as their couple embodied glamour, success, and love in the 20th century.

The test on the bonds of love

A contestant is facing the back of 4 people. They all look alike but only one is that dear person close to him.

With letters and clues given to him, every step of the game will bring them closer or farther away. A dramatic way to witness how strong is the bond between 2 persons.

BACK SHOT is more than a game, it’s a human drama.

A 1000 year-old tradition becomes hip

A young apprentice is given a mission: to find a new audience for a 1000 year-old tradition to prevent it from disappearing and achieve his master's dying wish to bring peace to the world. He is dogged by failures until he decides to merge bonsai, fashion and street music thereby abandoning time-honoured approaches.

Along the way he discovers a path to peace by using bonsai to heal the trauma of war and other challenges of modern life.

BONSAI BAD BOY follows the worldwide journey of a humble man turning an ancient tradition into performance art for a new generation.

Mighty buildings that have stood up to invaders and centuries

Castles are the symbol of past power and reflect the eras they have lived through. Their cultural and historical significance is well documented. Their architecture and operation allow us to understand life in the past.

This series introduces us to the most important castles of France, mighty buildings that have stood up to invaders and centuries.

The voices or Arabic music

The "golden age" of culture in the Arab world, which lasted from the 1920s to the 1970s, saw women play a crucial role. They took over music, song, cinema, literature, the radio, and the press, and thrilled and enthralled diverse peoples, from Baghdad to Casablanca.

These women, some of whom remain giants in their own right, are symbols of a bygone era but also models and sources of inspiration for many contemporary Arab artists.

The first generation of Brazilian transvestite performers

In the 1960s, the Divine Divas were the first generation of Brazilian transvestite performers.

One of the first venues that gave shelter to men dressed as women was the Rival Theatre, directed by Américo Leal.

In this film, his granddaughter recounts the stories of a generation that revolutionized sexual behavior and challenged the country’s staid morality.

The return of the outdoor movie screen

The drive-in was the ultimate symbol of a carefree and newly motorized American youth in the 60s and 70s.

Even though the changing culture made them disappear decades ago, they have enjoyed a recent revival thanks to many enthusiasts.

With screens springing up across the US, moviegoers of all ages, families, and young couples can turn their windshields again into giant screens.

Mixing the old with the new

From the jungles of Borneo and Papua New Guinea, the streets of Indonesia and Thailand, from the age-old Geisha tradition in Japan to bold experiments in Singapore, outstanding people are breaking new grounds and pushing the limits, just FOR ART’S SAKE.

A video game revolution

This series is a nostalgic journey through 50 years of FPS (First Person Shooter) history featuring the developers and artists behind these legendary games.

We dig deep into these groundbreaking games' history, from the genre's humble beginnings through to the present day, exploring the creation, impact, and legacy of a wide range of genre-defining classics from Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, GoldenEye, Half-Life, Halo, and many more.

The first surrealist painter

A contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci, Hieronymus Bosch was at the crossroads of the Middle Ages symbolism and the birth of humanism in the Renaissance.

His authentic works are rare, with only 25 paintings and 8 drawings. All are exhibited in the world's greatest museums, but the fascination with them, even in his own time, has always been huge.

The painter in mid-19th century China

George Chinnery was one of the first and most notable European artists to live in Southern China prior to the arrival of photography. His sketches, watercolors, and oil paintings are held in private collections and museums worldwide.

This film depicts the life and works of the English painter during his years in Macao in the mid-19th century.

The artist’s work vividly captures the Chinese culture and the way of life for expatriates in the Far East during the China Trade and Opium War years from 1825 to 1860.

An intense star

At the peak of his career, Joaquin Phoenix suddenly seems to give up everything.

He had starred in numerous blockbusters and immersed himself in his roles, getting two Oscar nominations as a reward. Now, seemingly out of the blue, he claims to be ending his film career and taking off as a rapper instead.

Is this one of the most extraordinary talents of his generation breaking down in front of everyone, or is he thumbing his nose at a meaningless Hollywood machine?

The secrets behind the formation of future stars

This music, born in the 90s to promote Korean culture, has conquered the world with almost 500 groups in 30 years.

This film explores the secrets behind the formation of future K Pop stars. It follows the community of active fans participating in dance competitions and festivals dedicated to this musical culture.

The party band

If you want to make a wedding or a party go wild, the best way is to play the music from La Compagnie Créole.

Their songs have remained popular through the years, as they convey a sense of fun.

Yet, in their native region, they were not appreciated for the image they gave of the West Indies.

The pioneer of today's impersonators

Thierry Le Luron has mocked, mimicked, and even caricatured to perfection the politicians of his time, starting with several heads of state. While some took it in stride, others were vexed to the point of sending him tax inspectors.

He has also lent his voice to the imitation of famous singers, using his own words, sometimes fierce but always inspired by current events.

He is the pioneer of today's impersonators.

A very modern genius

The Vitruvian Man, the bicycle, Mona Lisa, the perspective, the "Last Supper"...

How could the same man create so many things in his lifetime, 500 years ago, and lay the foundations of modern times?

This film pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci and revisits his genius through a wholly original visual adventure, using animations of Codex.

Artist, engineer, scientist

How can one man paint the Mona Lisa, conceive ball bearing and give the first clinical description of atherosclerosis?

On the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, this film answers these questions thanks to research in the field and encounters with the most outstanding experts on the Renaissance genius.

A culture of craftsmanship and excellence

Kyoto's allure lies not only in its shrines and temples or the elegance of the city.

Since the year 794, Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan, leading the way in the arts, architecture and commerce. The essence of the country’s culture was born in this very town and has been refined and passed down.

This series introduces artistry at its best created and nurtured by the local masters who know true craftsmanship and excellence.

Music everywhere

As head of the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra, Kent Nagano has conducted many original projects that demonstrate his marked interest in the culture of his new home country.

Above all, he wants to understand the people around him and bring them the music wherever they are: a concert at the Maison Symphonique, on national or international tours, a concert at the Molson Brewery, or at the Bell Center (an indoor sports arena).

This is the portrait of a great maestro fascinated by classical and contemporary music.

The private concert

Marianne Trudel, who has already released 6 albums, is a pianist, composer, improviser and arranger. Her music, inspired by french songs, brazilian rythm and contemporary jazz, bears testimony to her openess to the world. Energetic and passionate, she has a busy career as a performer either solo or with diverse formations.

This private concert, where she performs 10 of her original compositions, was filmed at the legendary Upstairs Club.

Polishing as an art

Unbeknownst to many, polishing is an art in Japan and is called Migaku.

Masters of this traditional craft share a sense of beauty and take pride in the happiness they bring to Migaku-related items.

Indeed, what emerges after polishing are things that shine, sparkle, and smiles, characteristics we witness through several encounters and testimonies.

The hard road to success

This film explores the life of Nemanja Radulovic, the talented violinist, through a lengthy interview in which the artist reveals his joys, sorrows, victories and failures that led to his success.

The French "Madame Tussaud"

The Grévin Museum opened in 1882 in Paris. It displays some 250 characters from across the world, ranging from actors, writers, sports athletes, and other well-known personalities. More than 800,000 people are visiting each year.

Thomas, a 12-year-old kid, decides to lock himself inside the Museum. He finds the place fascinating and has planned to spend the night there. At closing time, he manages to hide from the security guards and is about to discover the mysterious world of wax figures who tend to become quite animated during the night.

This film reveals the secrets of the Museum by day and night.

Ready to all sacrifices

They are 28 students with a dream that is also an obsession: to become professional dancers.

They want to grace all the world's stages and achieve their goal and are ready to make the necessary sacrifices.

This three-part series plunges us into the daily life of the students and teachers at the top school of performing arts in Paris.

The art of binding

Kinbaku is an erotic practice from Japan that consists of binding one's partner with ropes.

Although its origins lie in the alcoves dedicated to classical sadomasochism, Kinbaku has invested many artistic disciplines in unsuspected ways.

This film introduces us to a mysterious tradition and its links with art.

The juggler of words

For half a century, Raymond Devos, a stand-up comedian, and wordsmith imagined and performed absurd monologues that have become classics.

He made several generations of spectators laugh with sketches that are now taught in schools and that today's comedians include in their repertoire. There is even a Raymond Devos Award to celebrate the French language.

This film evokes his professional career as well as the life of the man beyond the juggler of words.

Subjects of controversy

This series highlights subjects or works that have given rise to violent controversy.

Each episode looks back at the scandals generated by these representations.

They invented a new world in the '80s

Tracking major theatrical releases and forgotten gems, this series explores the sci-fi movies of the ‘80s.

At that time, the genre experienced a real revolution with films such as “Blade Runner”, “E.T.”, “Back to the Future” or “Terminator”. The decade proved pivotal for the many skill sets involved and an infinite source of inspiration for today’s artists and filmmakers.

The people who built these legendary worlds - storytellers, visual effects artists, set designers, and producers - tell us how they materialized their ideas on films that dazzled the spectators.

A musical journey

Gregory Walker is a concert violinist who feels trapped in the classical music world by being forced to perform the big hits season after season. He sets out on a personal journey in search of inspiration.

He travels to Kerala, the picturesque state of South India, to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances, and learn the challenging melodic and rhythmic variations present in Indian music.

The inspiration for great contemporary directors

The myth of the cowboy was born in the American studios, but when we talk about Westerns, one name keeps coming up: Sergio Leone, the great architect of the so-called "spaghetti" Western because it was made in Italy.

This genre, which was initially intended to be purely mercantile by shooting low-cost imitations of American Westerns, allowed the emergence of new talents.

The spaghetti western became a true genre thanks to Leone, Corbucci, Solima, and the music of Ennio Morricone. It will then, in turn, influence international cinema, notably by inspiring great contemporary directors such as Quentin Tarantino.

The impact of the "A-Team" series

Over five seasons, from 1983 to 1987, the series "The A Team" was a phenomenal success.

One of its protagonists, Mr T, a.k.a. Barracuda, is still considered one of the era's iconic stars.

His muscles, haircut, necklaces, and blue overalls have made him a veritable icon and even a trademark.

The Big Band tradition

When the jazz bands of the past structured themselves as orchestras with brass ensembles expressing themselves around the rhythmic section, this led to the birth of the Big Bands.

Fletcher Henderson, pianist, conductor, arranger and composer, is credited with creating the first Big Band. Among the most famous were Count Basie's and Duke Ellington's. There were still many such bands until the 1960s, such as those of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Cab Calloway, and Artie Shaw.

Today they are rather rare but the tradition continues thanks to The Amazing Keystone Big Band.

Udo Kier, now 80, is at the height of his career, recently playing Adolf Hitler in “Hunters” and earning acclaim for his role in “Swan Song”.

Known for portraying diverse characters from demons to historical figures, he has starred in films across the globe, collaborated with icons like Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, and Gus Van Sant, and built a Hollywood career as a beloved character actor.

Art geniuses

They have been piercing observers of their times, leaving their works for posterity.

Often misunderstood and even harassed by critics, they were trailblazers of new artistic movements that transformed art forever and still fascinate scholars today.

This series is a thrilling journey into the world of the most significant painting geniuses.

Entertainment becomes art

Animation is one of today’s most popular forms of entertainment which makes great use of ever evolving technologies.

However its origin goes way back, in a long forgotten traditional art that a Japanese shadow master wants to bring to a new audience.

His quest takes him to a remote village deep into Malaysia’s tropical forest in the midst of the monsoon, in search of a master puppeteer who knows the secrets of the shadows immortality.

The museum with 38,000 works of art

For almost 230 years, the Louvre, which houses over 38,000 works of art, never ceased to captivate, amaze and engage its visitors.

This film is an immersion into the depths of this living place, where 2,000 men and women work to bring it to life.

An independent cinema icon

Uma Thurman first made a name for herself in roles of false ingenue before becoming an independent cinema icon and then a standard-bearer of women's revenge.

Here's a look back at this warrior's journey, which has not been without wounds.

 

Mischievous little monsters

This series is a fantastic journey through Japan and its culture to discover the mischievous little monsters that have been part of Japanese daily life since the country was founded.