Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10 p.m. on KPBS 2
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of a major turning point in architectural history, and it owes its existence to a fierce duel between two men. "Eiffel's Race to the Top" tells the story of the hard-won victory of a visionary over his determined rival. Using 3D recreations, official sources (reports, letters, drawings) and intimate archives obtained from their descendants, this film will bring to life this vertical race through a fresh and visual way to mark the centenary of Eiffel's death.
Film Interviewees:
- Barry Bergdoll – Architectural Historian, Columbia University
- Michel Carmona – Biographer of Gustave Eiffel
- Julie Gimbal – Architectural Historian
- Bertrand Lemoine – Architect and Architectural Historian
- Claudine Philouze-Chatty – Engineer and Art Historian
- Isabelle Morin Loutrel – Curator of Historical Monuments
- Jean-Michel Leniaud – Art Historian and Biographer of Charles Garnier
Watch On Your Schedule: This episode is available to stream with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits: A ZED production for ARTE France in association with The WNET Group, in association with FTV Prima, Movistar Plus+, TV5MONDE, RTBF Documentary Unit, TV5 Québec, and RSI. Written and directed by Mathieu Schwartz and Savin Yeatman-Eiffel. Narrated by Jay O. Sanders. Produced by Gaëlle Guyader. For ZED: Manuel Catteau is executive producer; Claire Bénard is general manager. For SECRETS OF THE DEAD: Benjamin Phelps is supervising producer; Stephanie Carter is executive producer; Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.
