Don't Believe in Monuments

Another Man’s Treasure

Invalid date •English

One man's hat is another man's treasure when it comes to the importance and significance of saving items of historic value.

Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain

January 2023 •English

Atlanta History Center explores the controversial history of the Stone Mountain carving through a documentary film and online resources.

This is How the Obelisk Was Born

October 1936 •

The construction of the Obelisco in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Statue of Giordano Bruno

January 2005 •English

This film was made out of the capture of a live animation performance presented in Rome in January 2005 by Pierre Hébert and the musician Bob Ostertag. It is based on live action shooting done that same afternoon on the Campo dei Fiori where the philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned by the Inquisition in 1600. A commemorative statue was erected in the 19th century, that somberly dominate the market held everyday on the piazza. The film is about the resurgence of the past in this place where normal daily activities go on imperturbably. The capture of the performance was reworked, shortened and complemented with more studio performances.

The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America

August 2006 •English

The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America chronicles for the first time the complete story of this great American symbol… from Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and St. Louis’ role in westward expansion; to the eventual construction of the largest stainless steel structure in history.

The Unveiling of the Monument to Ferenz Rakoczy

January 1912 •Serbian

“First” pan in Pannonian Basin and highly likely in the Balkans was created in 1912 by Ernest Bosnjak. The film documented the unveiling of the monument to Ferencz Rákóczi in Sombor and also features a brief tilt shot of the monument itself.

Mitterrand, président culturel

May 2021 •French

On the occasion of the fourty years anniversary of François Mitterand's election, a look back to the relationship between the President and artists, from admiration to manipulation.

Monumental

January 2024 •Portuguese

The director's affection for the Londrina Esporte Clubeb (LEC) and his grandfather is transmitted through this short documentary that shows an important match for the championship. During a trip the director managed to kill the longing of the two...

How the Monuments Came Down

June 2021 •English

How the Monuments Came Down is a timely and searing look at the history of white supremacy and Black resistance in Richmond. The feature-length film-brought to life by history-makers, descendants, scholars, and activists-reveals how monuments to Confederate leaders stood for more than a century, and why they fell.

Tour Eiffel : La Grande Épopée

December 2014 •French

The Arc de Triomphe: A Nation's Passion

September 2021 •French

The pride of Napoleon's victories, the Arc de Triomphe, whose first stone was laid in 1806 at the top of the Champs-Élysées, is, along with the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the French capital. Wanted by an emperor, inaugurated under the reign of a king (Louis-Philippe) and sanctuarized by the Republic, this patriotic temple polarizes the passions of a whole nation. A historical portrait before "packaging", which teems with anecdotes and unsuspected details.

Europe for Sale

August 2014 •Italian

How would you feel if the state sold the mountain above your village to a big multinational, your country's beautiful islands, its beaches or your great monuments? Strangled by debt, governments and public administrations all over Europe act like any indebted family: they try not only to reduce costs, but attempt to replenish their coffers by putting their most valued family possessions on the market. More often than not, this includes part of the countries' historical and natural heritage: castles, islands, mountains, beaches, palaces, ancient arenas and archaeological sites. But who really owns these properties? Aren't they our common heritage, our history that will end up in private or corporate hands and will no longer be accessible to all? Or is the private sector more efficient in managing these properties? And if so, who decides on the best deal? Are there democratic proceedings for the sale of our common good? The people of Europe want accountability.

And Along Come Tourists

May 2007 •German

Sven arrives in nowadays Auschwitz to do his civil service at the memorial. He encounters unfriendliness, especially by Stanislaw Krzeminski, the 85 year old KZ-survivor, and Krzysztof Lanuszewski, brother of his early love affair Ania. Even his boss Herold, the places manager, does little to help Sven familiarize. But when problems accumulate Sven realises that he already has become involved.

Monumental

October 2016 •English

Two young men journey across the U.S.A to honor one's mother by spreading her ashes at monuments she always dreamed of visiting. Along the way they encounter interesting characters and dangerous situations that force them to question their own character and their life-long friendship. Marital strife, jail time, car chases, old secrets and a demolition derby all threaten to derail their trip and their lives.

Tzi-goo-lee Mee-goo-lee

January 1952 •

Ivan Ivanović, a party functionary, arrives in a provincial town as a temporary replacement for a cultural official. The newcomer is fanatically eager to reform the town's cultural life in accordance with socialist ideals. He abolishes all five music societies and orders a monument of the town's most revered native, late composer Ciguli Miguli, removed from the main square. Ivanović's actions, however, meet stiff resistance from the townspeople, especially the youth.

Monumental

July 2022 •Spanish

Feminist videodance in which a living statue does not receive consensual interventions and decides to express herself by painting her body.

Worst to First

February 2022 •English

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City's Z100.

How Did We Get Here?

February 2022 •English

An intimate reflection on life in the digital age and Seán McLoughlin's journey through the highest highs - chanting crowds, sold out shows, and marriage proposals - and lowest lows - grappling with loneliness in the harsh Irish winter - and the life and wonder in between.

In the valley

February 2022 •French

Thierry lives in the Aosta Valley, in Italy. On board his piaggo ape, he travels the paths of the valley to take care of his cows. He also loves Anaïs, but for some time, she doesn’t answer him anymore… From traditional serenades to Italian pop, Thierry sings about love.

Národní umělec Zdeněk Štěpánek

December 1960 •Czech