Exciting collaboration with Maysle's Documentary Center NYC
When legendary artists, Christo and Jeanne-Claude embarked on their project to wrap the Pont Neuf in Paris, American documentary makers Albert and David Maysles captured their process. From arguments with the local authorities, encounters with Christo's formidable mother-in-law, and meetings with then then Mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac - the film tells the behind-the-scenes story of an art installation which continues to capture the imagination. ( The resulting film Christo in Paris is available to watch on the Criterion Channel in the USA)
Forty years later, La Caverne du Pont Neuf
When French artist, JR began his La Caverne du Pont Neuf project, 40 years later - many of the difficulties encountered by Christo and Jeanne-Claude were more easily overcome. The memory of their installation loomed large, and the Parisian authorities could imagine the power and the impact of the work. However - much had changed in the intervening decades which made the realisation of the project more complex. Health and Safety, increased traffic, both pedestrian and on the river and the fact that his project required the bridge to be closed to cars.
The Serendipitous Maysle's connection
As the British documentary team set to work putting their production together in the Spring on 2026, we were introduced by our Executive Producer, Elizabeth W.S. Louis to the team at the Maysle's Documentary Center, who we hoped would be in a position to support us with the funding framework of the film. On our first call, the Maysle's team showed us the Christo preparatory sketches of the Pont Neuf hanging on their office wall - and it was obvious to all that this was a collaboration that was meant to be.
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