Bron’s unobtrusive camera turns the backstage of Paris’s Palais Garnier into a show itself, from the top floor of the director’s office to the basement, featuring meetings, audition day, the cancellation of a lead singer just prior to opening, strike notices, unions and the first performance given after the Bataclan nightclub massacre plunged Paris into mourning. We are drawn inside this collective micro-society of 1700 employees full of its own dramas where artists, performers, assistants, coaches, costume designers, laundry washers, retouchers, wig department, choir, cleaners, and even a live bull, all pull together and do battle to operate this legendary establishment. (Notes by Marie-Pierre Richard)

Director’s Note: Shot over sixteen months this brilliant, immersive documentary goes behind the scenes of the prestigious Paris Opera.

Official Selection, Locarno International Film Festival 2017

Screening as part of the IFI French Film Festival 2017 – November 15th to 26th.

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Packages €45 for 5 films. €80 for 10 films. (Both packages exclude the opening film. Available in person or over the phone: 01 679 3477.)