Photo : Deux Frères (Jean-Jacques Annaud, 2004) © David Koskas
The Invisible Workshop: Behind the Scenes of Jean-Jacques Annaud's Films
Step behind the lens to uncover the meticulous craftsmanship and raw planning that bring a cinematic masterpiece to life. Through never-before-seen archives, you will witness the evolution of grand stories from the initial concept to their final, breathtaking premiere on the silver screen.
Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé (Paris 13th)
About
Step into the creative world of director Jean-Jacques Annaud at the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé. This exhibition showcases fifty years of filmmaking, from the epic scale of Quest for Fire to the technical challenges of Two Brothers. Through personal archives and prestigious collections, discover the meticulous process behind his most iconic works. Suitable for visitors aged 8 and up, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Immerse yourself in the preparation, filming, and post-production secrets of a globally acclaimed director until October 31, 2026. This rare retrospective offers a unique look at the history of cinema through the lens of one of its most innovative creators.
From Black and White in Color to The Bear, from Quest for Fire to The Name of the Rose, from Seven Years in Tibet to Two Brothers, the work of Jean-Jacques Annaud spans continents, eras, and imaginations.
From his monumental frescoes to his precise reconstructions and extreme technical challenges, the exhibition is a fascinating tribute to this filmmaker without borders, unveiling, for the first time, what goes on behind his sets and his greatest secrets.
Like a Benedictine librarian, Jean-Jacques Annaud has preserved all the documentation that tells the story of 50 years of his work. Completed by the collections of the Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Foundation, the Cinémathèque française, and private collections, the exhibition will allow the viewer to discover these exceptional archives.
It will immerse the visitor in the meticulous preparations surrounding the making of his films, from documentary research to their theatrical release, including location scouting, preparation, filming, and post-production.
AROUND THE EXHIBITION
► Cinema carte blanche for Jean-Jacques Annaud (from May 13 to May 30, 2026)
► Screenings of Jean-Jacques Annaud's films
► Guided tours of the exhibition for schools and young audiences (upon request)
Our take on this event
The Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé hosts a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the career of Jean-Jacques Annaud. For the first time, the director shares his private archives, complemented by items from the Cinémathèque française and private collections. Visitors can explore the exhaustive preparation behind films such as The Name of the Rose and Seven Years in Tibet, witnessing how research, location scouting, and technical design coalesce into cinematic reality.
The exhibition is open to visitors aged 8 and older, with full wheelchair accessibility. Tickets for the exhibition spaces range from 3 to 5 euros, with a combined ticket option including a film screening priced between 4 and 7 euros. Guided tours are available upon request for school groups and younger audiences.
Running from March 20, 2026, to October 31, 2026, the event also features a special cinema retrospective from May 13 to May 30, 2026, alongside regular screenings of the director’s work. You can find this event at 73, avenue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris.