La Grande Arche | Alliance Ciné | Premiere

In 1983, President François Mitterrand announces an international architectural competition for the centerpiece of his presidency: the Grande Arche de la Défense, aligned with the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Surprisingly, the victory goes to the unknown Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen. Overnight, the 53-year-old Dane finds himself in Paris, leading this monumental construction project. While the architect intends to realize his design for the Grande Arche, it soon becomes clear that his ideas clash with the stubborn reality and the whims of politics. La Grande Arche narrates the fascinating and true story behind one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the 20th century, the Grand Projets commissioned by President Mitterrand to create a series of modern monuments that would reshape Paris. One of the most controversial projects was the Grande Arche in La Défense. In 1982, an international design competition was announced, open to everyone. From as many as 424 submissions, surprisingly, the relatively unknown Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen emerged as the winner. His visionary design was enthusiastically received, but tragically, he would never witness the completion of his masterpiece. Director Stéphane Demoustier brings the story to life with tension and humor, focusing particularly on the psychological evolution of the overlooked architect. The lead role is played by Danish actor Claes Bang (The Square), who adeptly portrays Otto von Spreckelsen. Other roles are filled by Sidse Babette Knudsen (Borgen), Xavier Dolan (Juste la fin du monde, J’ai tué ma mère), and Michael Fau (Marguerite, Swimming Pool). The film is based on the novel La Grande Arche by Laurence Cossé and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes film festival. Alliance Ciné Your French Film Club at Natlab, in collaboration with Alliance Française. Alliance Ciné is a monthly film appointment for fans of French cinema. Films that linger, raise questions, and invite conversation. Each evening begins with a brief introduction, we watch together, and afterwards take time to talk. For some films linger. They call for silence, for words, for different perspectives. Alliance Ciné is for those who don’t want to go home right away but want to stay for a while. Join our French Film Club. Watch along. Join the conversation.