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Visionary Architect's Clash with Bureaucracy Shapes Iconic French Landmark
20 Oct
Summary
- Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen wins 1983 competition to design the Great Arch of La Défense
- His uncompromising vision collides with political maneuvering and construction challenges
- The film about this story premieres at Cannes and will release in U.S. theaters in early 2026
In 2025, a historical drama based on the true story of the Great Arch of La Défense is set to captivate audiences. The film chronicles the unlikely journey of Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen, who in 1983 won an international competition to design this iconic French landmark.
Propelled from obscurity in Denmark to the helm of a pharaonic project in Paris, Spreckelsen's uncompromising vision soon collided with political maneuvering, bureaucratic obstacles, and the harsh realities of construction. The film, which made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last spring, offers a glimpse into the architect's struggle to bring his ambitious design to life.
As the film prepares for its U.S. domestic premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26th, 2025, audiences will have the chance to witness the drama unfold. The Great Arch is slated for a wider theatrical release across the United States in early 2026, allowing more people to discover this captivating story of perseverance and the pursuit of artistic vision in the face of daunting challenges.
