Construction Site

The transformation of Pathé Palace

Construction Site chronicles the three-year restoration process of the historic Pathé Palace cinema in Paris, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. This documentary follows the complex adaptations of a 1929 Art Deco monument to meet the demands of modern cinema. You see how architects, construction workers, clients, technicians, and film professionals collaborate and negotiate regarding design, functionality, constraints, and unexpected challenges. The film highlights discussions about materials, details, budgets, and deadlines, and provides insight into the many aspects involved in the realization of a public building.

Sidewalk Superintendent: a look at urban development

In addition to Construction Site, Sidewalk Superintendent is also being screened. Construction sites are often difficult to access, especially in cities like New York, where they are a permanent fixture of the streetscape. Since 2013, the New York City Council has mandated that construction fences must feature viewing panels. These small openings offer a constantly changing view of a city that is continuously evolving. Sidewalk Superintendent is composed of photographs taken through these panels over the years. It is a visual essay on large-scale developments and the affordability of housing. The film invites you to pause at these glimpses, which reveal how the future of the city is taking shape.