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Screening: Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse by Molly Bernstein and Philip Dolin
Experience a rare cinematic look into the mind of the creative force behind Maus, the legendary graphic novel that redefined the medium forever. This intimate portrait reveals how underground artistry became a profound vessel for truth and personal history.
Mémorial de la Shoah (Paris 4th)
About
The Mémorial de la Shoah hosts a special screening of the documentary Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse, directed by Molly Bernstein and Philip Dolin, on Thursday, December 17, 2026. The film examines the artistic journey of the creator of Maus, highlighting his influence in transforming graphic novels into a medium for serious storytelling. This event is wheelchair accessible and offers tiered pricing ranging from free entry for students and job seekers to 5 euros for the general public, providing a thoughtful look at Spiegelman's creative process and his exploration of inherited trauma through his iconic work.
An iconic figure of American underground comics, Art Spiegelman is best known for Maus, a two-volume graphic novel inspired primarily by his father's personal memories and his need to overcome the trauma inherited from his parents, both Holocaust survivors. Published in the mid-1980s, the work met with tremendous public and critical success. Through interviews with the artist and his close associates, this documentary traces the evolution of the author's career and sheds light on the history of the transformation of comics, moving from a medium generally associated with humor to one capable of telling stories, even the most tragic ones.
In the presence of the directors and Art Spiegelman (subject to availability).
In conversation with Nicolas Champeaux, journalist and filmmaker.
Our take on this event
On Thursday, December 17, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00, the Mémorial de la Shoah invites you to discover the documentary Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse. This film by Molly Bernstein and Philip Dolin analyzes the trajectory of the underground comic legend and the creation of his masterpiece, Maus. By featuring interviews with the artist and his family, the documentary illuminates how comics evolved from a purely humorous medium into a powerful tool for addressing historical tragedy. The screening is scheduled to include an appearance by the directors and Art Spiegelman, subject to availability, alongside a conversation with journalist and filmmaker Nicolas Champeaux.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. Tickets are priced at 5 euros for the general public and 3 euros for seniors and those aged 18-25 upon proof of eligibility. Admission is free for students, job seekers, and individuals under 18, provided they present valid documentation at the entrance.
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