The Ciné Lumière, at London’s French Institute, has announced that the 33rd French Film Festival London will open with the UK premiere of The Great Arch (L’Inconnu de la grande arche), written and directed by Stéphane Demoustier, on Wednesday 12 November.
The acclaimed new drama is based on a true story, following Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, the Danish architect who won the 1983 competition for the design of the Grande Arche in Paris
It stars Claes Bang, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Xavier Dolan, Swann Arlaud and Michel Fau, and is lensed by David Chambille.
The Great Arch Opening Night Gala will be followed by a Q&A with Demoustier and special guests, soon to be announced.
“This celebrated monument to humanitarian ideals is one of the most spectacular in France, and this portrayal of one person’s vision, principles and integrity, undermined by politics and practicalities, is recreated to stunning visual effect,” read a French Film Festival London press release.
“The Great Arch was a compelling addition to the Un Certain Regard Official Selection in the Cannes Film Festival 2025.”
Raïssa Lahcine, deputy director of the French Institute and Audiovisual Attaché, added: “It is to my great delight that we will launch this year’s edition of the French Film Festival London with Stéphane Demoustier’s UK premiere of The Great Arch.
“Through a twist on the portrayal of an outsider whose vision and principles disrupt the status quo, Stéphane Demoustier masterfully weaves together the vision of an architect with the constraints and the vicissitudes of politics.
“Featuring an impeccable cast, the story behind the construction of La Grande Arche in Paris reminds us of the importance of art and culture in our complicated world. We hope the film will resonate with audiences throughout the wider programme.”
On being selected to launch the festival, Demoustier revealed: “I am thrilled that The Great Arch has been chosen to launch the French Film Festival London this year!
“This is a French story. And European. That of a Danish architect who wins an anonymous and international competition for the construction of an emblematic building in Paris. This true story calls for an open-minded approach to creative collaboration and to inspire all.”
Further details for the French Film Festival London will be available soon.
