Vive la vie

Two collaborative documentary commissions—a treat for Jean Epstein completists! VIVE LA VIE was commissioned by the then-newly created Secretariat for Leisure and Sports and depicts the “Ajiste” movement (Youth Association for Sports and Leisure), while ARTÈRES DE FRANCE explores France’s transportation routes. It was commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce to be presented at the New York World’s Fair. From January to March 1939, Epstein, accompanied by his assistant René Lucot, travelled more than 10,000 km by car to film France’s major road, rail and river transport hubs. He also filmed several people, including his friend, the painter Fernand Léger, surrounded by his students. A print of the 35mm film was struck by Marie Epstein in 1980 and then forgotten. It was digitised by the Cinémathèque Française in 2020. (Joël Daire)

All retrospective films that will be shown at the Filmmuseum after the Viennale - from 29.10. - can of course also be reserved as usual at filmmuseum.at or by calling 01/533 70 54 and purchased at the box office of the Austrian Film Museum. The prices of the Austrian Film Museum apply.