The “Cinémathèque”
La Cinémathèque Française, tucked away in the Bercy district of Paris, is as much a work of art as the films it preserves. Its building, designed by Frank Gehry, contrasts with the Haussmannian architecture of Paris—bold, modern, and alive, much like the cinema it holds within.
The archives holds an extensive collection of films, from the earliest days of cinema to modern works. Its origins date back to the 1930s with Henri Langlois, who worked to save films during the Nazi occupation. Today, it’s a place to explore film history directly—through its carefully curated archives, screenings, and exhibitions—keeping the legacy of cinema alive and accessible.
La Cinémathèque Française is a space where film culture thrives, offering much more than a simple viewing experience. Over the years, it’s been the stage for retrospectives on filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa and Jean-Luc Godard, bringing their iconic work back into the spotlight. It has also hosted special events such as a deep dive into the influence of German Expressionism, and a tribute to the work of Orson Welles, highlighting his role in shaping the language of cinema.
La Cinémathèque Française; La bibliothèque de la Cinémathèque; Jean-Luc Godard & Raoul Coutard
Through its history, its walls have witnessed the celebration of iconic directors and movements, with its influence stretching far beyond France. It’s where Scorsese discussed the importance of preserving film history, where a retrospective on François Truffaut showcased the lasting power of the New Wave, and where a tribute to Agnès Varda reignited interest in her work in documentary filmmaking. Filmmakers like Tarantino have also credited the Cinémathèque as a major influence, pointing to its collection and screenings as key sources of inspiration. The Cinémathèque has hosted exhibitions on silent cinema, offering an opportunity for international audiences to dive into the roots of film, and exclusive screenings like the restored L'Atalante, drawing crowds eager to experience the restored masterpiece.
The Cinémathèque has also been central to the Cinéma du look movement, a distinct cinematic style that emerged in the 1980s. Directors like Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Luc Besson, and Jean-Jacques Beineix embraced a visually-driven approach, prioritizing bold aesthetics and innovative storytelling over traditional narrative. Films like Amélie, Le Grand Bleu, and Diva embody this vibrant movement, combining a commercial style with deeper artistic influences. Cinémathèque’s screenings and retrospectives became a vital space for these filmmakers to push the limits of visual storytelling, helping to shape a shift in French cinema that reached far beyond national borders.
Cinémathèque Française, Palais de Chaillot, Paris (1996) by G. Courant
La Cinémathèque Française has also played a key role in the exploration of political cinema. It has provided a platform for films that challenge societal norms, confront political issues, and amplify voices from underrepresented movements. Over the years, the Cinémathèque has hosted retrospectives and screenings that highlight political filmmakers like Alain Resnais and Costa-Gavras, whose works have critiqued authority, war, and social injustice.
It’s truly an iconic place where cinema meets cinephiles and movie enthusiasts. Its collection, retrospectives, and events celebrate the history and art of film, creating a space for stories and voices that have shaped cinema.