7 Must-See Documentary Movies for Francophiles
If you like documentaries, then you’re going to love this list of films because they will take you on an adventure to France and around the world. Here are seven must-see movies that are like a passport to French art, culture, fashion, food and beyond.
1. Nose - Inside Dior’s World of Perfume
For the first time in a documentary feature, the prestigious House of Dior opened its doors to show the wonders of perfume creation. Travelers at heart, Arthur de Kersauson and Clément Beauvais followed François Demachy for two years and over 14 countries, from Grasse to the other side of the world, in his search for inspiration and the most precious raw materials. A true « smell good movie », NOSE sheds light on one of the most secret jobs in the world.
Documentary • 2021 • 1 hr 11min
Watch on: Amazon and Apple TV.
2. THE QUEST OF ALAIN DUCASSE
What is the quest of Alain Ducasse, the little boy from Landes who became the most renowned chef and culinary mentor in the world? What can a man who seems to have everything still be searching for? With 23 restaurants across the globe and 18 Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse continues to create restaurants for our times, to build schools, to push the boundaries of his profession toward new horizons with his boundless curiosity. He relentlessly travels the world: for him, cooking is an infinite universe. This public, yet secretive man agreed to be followed for two years, thereby revealing to us his perpetually evolving universe.
Documentary • 2018 • 1 hr 24 min
Watch on: Amazon, Apple TV, and Hulu.
3. Water Lilies of Monet - The Magic of Water and Light
A journey through the masterpieces and obsessions of the Genius of the Impressionism. With the invaluable contribution of Ross King, author of the bestseller Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies. From Giverny, Musée D'Orsay, Orangerie and Marmottan. Water Lilies of Monet - the Magic of Water and Light tells the story of the origin of a massive work of art that broke with convention, of an artist resurrecting his life only thanks to painting. His human endeavor defied both space and conventions in his timeless masterpieces. In a war-torn country, the undisputed genius of French Art disrupted the art world and changes it forever.
Documentary • 2020 • 1 hr 35 min
4. House of Cardin
A rare peek into the mind of a genius, chronicling the life and design of Cardin. Exclusive access to his archives and his empire, and unprecedented interviews at the sunset of a glorious career.
Documentary • 2020 • 1 hr 37 min
5. Van Gogh: Of Wheat Fields and Clouded Skies
A new look at Van Gogh, through the legacy of the largest private collector of artworks by the Dutch painter: Helene Kröller-Müller (1869-1939), who, in the early 20th Century, ended up buying nearly 300 of his works.
Documentary • 2019 • 1 hr 10 min
6. Inside Dior
This two-part documentary series goes behind the scenes of one of the world's most luxurious superbrands as it celebrates its 70th birthday. The series looks at Dior's past and present, and follows the arrival of the first female creative director. Inside Dior gives viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the billion-dollar luxury empire that spans clothes, handbags, makeup, and perfume.
Documentary • 2017
Watch on: Amazon
7. Dior and I
A much-acclaimed documentary on Raf Simons’ beginnings as Creative Director of Christian Dior women’s wear, Dior and I perfectly captures a defining moment during one of the most intensive creative periods in the life of the famed fashion house. In conjunction with the film’s French release, we look at the backstory behind this innovative initiative.
Documentary • 2015 • 1 hr 15 min