Sur l’Adamant

Synopsis

The Adamant is a unique day-care centre for people with mental disorders housed in a floating barge moored on the Seine. The team of carers helps patients regain their footing in everyday life by putting a human face to psychiatric treatment.

Master documentary maker Nicolas Philibert brings his keen observational skills to bear as he witnesses staff and patients go about their daily therapeutic business, without distinguishing between the two or ever passing judgement, in an eloquent tribute to a public healthcare system under strain.

Biography and Films

Nicolas Philibert (Nancy, France, 1951) studied philosophy before making a foray into filmmaking by working as an assistant to directors such as René Allio and Alain Tanner.

In 1978 he codirected La Voix de son maître with Gérard Mordillat, and between 1985 and 1987 he shot several TV documentaries on mountaineering and adventure sports. His debut feature documentary, La Ville Louvre (1990), was followed in quick succession by Le Pays des sourds (1992), Un animal, des animaux (1995), La Moindre des choses (1996), filmed in La Borde psychiatric clinic, and the experimental essay film Qui sait ? (1998), made with students at the Théâtre national de Strasbourg. Être et avoir (2002) won him worldwide acclaim, including the Louis Delluc Prize and a César nomination for Best Film. He later directed Nénette (2010), La Maison de la radio (2013) and De chaque instant (2018). Sur l'Adamant won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2023.

He presented a retrospective screening of all his films to date at l’Alternativa 2005, organised in collaboration with the French Institute, and eight years later, his first film, La Ville Louvre, was rescreened as part of our 20 Years of l’Alternativa celebrations.

Tie-in Activity

On Wednesday 15 November, Nicolas Philibert will give a masterclass on his creative process, _{Improvisation, an Ethical Necessity}.