Architectural story The Great Arch opens AFFR

The Great Arch by Stéphane Demoustier is about Johan Otto von Spreckelsen. The Danish architect who gets to design La Grande Arche de la Défense in Paris after a competition. The feature opens the AFFR on Wednesday 8 October at Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg. More info and tickets via this link.

French President François Mitterrand launched a competition for a new monument at La Défense in 1982. As part of his megalomaniacal Grands Projets, eight monuments to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French republic. Unexpectedly, the hitherto unknown Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, played by Claes Bang (The Square), wins. Together with his wife and business partner Liv, Sidse Babett Knudsen (Borgen), he goes to Paris to realise the project.

A difficult collaboration with architect Paul Andreu causes the project to run into more and more trouble. The idealistic Dane gets caught in a web of political intrigue. Based on Laurence Cossé's book La Grande Arche, the film tells Von Spreckelsen's true story without melodrama, and with attention to detail.

''The Great Arch is not only a compelling feature film, but also a loving ode to the complexity of the craft,'' says Cristina Ampatzidou, Head of Programming AFFR. The film screening will be followed by a festive after-party in the foyer.

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