Intime et le Monumental
( Histoire d'une restauration )

Sarah Clément-Colas
2011 - 52 min - HDV - Couleur - France

"The Intimate and the Monumental" invites us to an exclusive viewing of the effort to restore the Sainte-Chapelle, located in the heart of Paris. We discover what goes on behind the scenes as the Ministry of Culture and the Centre of National Monuments orchestrate this exceptional project intended to an important historical site.
This is a historic event: host to more than 700,000 visitors from around the world every year, the Sainte-Chapelle is the third most visited monument in Paris. This restoration project, which takes place only once every hundred years, aims to preserve a series of stained glass that is unique throughout the world.
Once finished, the restoration will bring new life to the Sainte Chapelle thanks to the excellence of French savoir-faire and the work of experts such as scientists, historians, craftsmen and professionals of the art world. From master glaziers to architects, the question remains: restoration, conservation, preservation… Why? How? For whom? Is it a cultural alibi or a social necessity?
The film offers the opportunity to share an experience that is dense and dangerous, humane and cultural, all in the service of posterity.