Notre-Dame de Paris special evening: Film and Conversation

Program

6:30 PM : “Excavations and the Rebirth of Notre-Dame: Crossed Perspectives” with Jennifer Feltman and Paul Glenshaw, followed by a Q&A

About Jennifer Feltman

Dr. Jennifer Feltman is an art historian and Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, specializing in the art and architecture of medieval Europe. A leading American scholar involved in the scientific restoration project of Notre-Dame de Paris since the 2019 fire, her research focuses on Gothic sculpture, particularly the development of complex sculptural programs in the absence of primary textual sources. Her work bridges art history, religious studies, manuscript analysis, and technical studies of construction, with a special emphasis on the 13th century, iconography, and the new archaeological insights revealed through the cathedral’s restoration. She frequently lectures in Europe and the United States to share major discoveries from the ongoing reconstruction.

About Paul Glenshaw, moderator

Paul Glenshaw is a writer, filmmaker, and art historian known for his work on architectural history, aviation, and cultural heritage. He collaborates with major American cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, and is a keen observer of sacred architecture and large-scale heritage projects. Bringing his perspective as both historian and cultural mediator, he offers insightful reflections on the intersections of history, restoration, and public engagement.

7:30 PM : Premiere screening of “Notre Dame Résurrection” : 5 years at the heart of the largest restoration project, inside and outside Notre-Dame de Paris.

On December 1, 2025, French in Motion will conclude its 2025 season of “Movie Nights”. As the final screening of the season, held in partnership with Villa Albertine, the evening will feature Notre-Dame Résurrection, an exceptional documentary directed by Xavier Lefebvre and written by Alain Zenou.

Filmed over FIVE years, this documentary offers a rare insight into the extraordinary reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after the 2019 fire.

Thanks to privileged access to the construction site, hours of previously unseen footage, and exclusive interviews with the craftsmen, architects, and teams involved, the film reveals the human, technical, and artistic challenges behind one of the most ambitious restoration projects of the 21st century.

This documentary is presented in French with English subtitles, thanks to the support of TV5 Monde.

Production: Electron Libre / Kisayang / Établissement Public Notre-Dame / France TV

Year: 2024

Format: 4K UHD

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

This screening caps off a year of programming dedicated to highlighting contemporary French and Francophone audiovisual creation, carried by the exceptional members of our community — across the United States and in France — while strengthening the ties we continue to build with the Film & TV landscape of Washington, DC.

This event is organized as part of Movie Nights by French in Motion.

Photos: By registering for this event, you consent to being photographed and/or recorded, and authorize the organizers to use your image and likeness for promotional and archival purposes.

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 6:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.

For security reasons, large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and bike helmets are not allowed on Embassy grounds. The security team may confiscate any items considered inappropriate.

Parking:
There is no on-site parking.

• Metered parking is available on Reservoir Road at $2.30/hour (max 4h until 10pm)
• Garage parking is available at Georgetown MedStar Health (Entrance #2, 2800 Reservoir Road NW), approx. $25 for up to 3 hours