12:30 / Erik van Empel takes us to the annals of the Tour De France
26 September 2009
Frobisher Auditorium 1
Tickets: Standard - £7.50 online (£9.50 full price) / Barbican Members - £6.50 online (£7.50 full price) / Concessions £7.50 / Under 15 £4.50
subject to availability
sold out
The film begins with an old newspaper article and a black-and-white photograph of sweating, mud-smeared cyclists. Erik van Empel takes us to the annals of the Tour De France: the yellowed magazines, scratched glass plates and damaged film footage that capture the history of the world’s most beautiful race. Featuring legendary cyclists Gino Bartali, Louison Bobet and Jean Robic, the fate of a whole nation (Italy) was at stake during their heroic 1948 struggle.
The few riders of that era who are still alive today describe the unforgiving circumstances in which the battle was decided. The old archival material and the fabulous anecdotes lead to a visually spectacular film that expresses the mythic character of bicycle racing.
The film ends where it started: with the modern Tour de France. Is there any heroism left in today’s media circus?
Netherlands 2003 Dir. Erik van Empel 68 min. In Dutch with English subtitles + Good Friday (PG*)
This documentary highlights the challenges faced by amateur cyclists training for a track event, particularly the Good Friday meeting at Herne Hill Velodrome, London. Learn about the fascinating history of the Velodrome and the political demands the event organizers face.
UK 2008 Dir. Maz Lewis 22 min.
* Local Classification
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