Monday 15th, April 2019. The world watches in horror as Notre-Dame, Paris’ iconic cathedral, burns. While news stations around the globe cover the events live and the streets fill with people in shock, an extraordinary story was taking place behind the scenes. Just a few key moments decided the fate of the Notre Dame, saving it from total destruction.
Director Emilie Lançon gained access to unpublished images and exclusive testimonies from the Paris Fire Brigade, from the highest-ranking officers to workers on the ground. She speaks to General Gallet, commander of the firemen of Paris, who after the astonishing collapse of the spire, masterminded the last-ditch desperate attempt to save Notre-Dame. With no time to spare, he scribbled a strategy on a simple piece of paper. The plan put the lives of dozens of men and women at risk, but nonetheless gained the approval of the President of the Republic. One short moment where everything hung in the balance. For the first time, we show these incredible scenes.
This film reveals the previously unknown events in an extraordinary battle to save the Cathedral, including the moment the spire collapsed, causing a gigantic blast effect that closed the doors, trapping in the firefighters inside and how the Cathedral’s treasures were preserved in a desperate race against the clock.
Director: Emilie Lançon