Cinema Círculo presents “La Commune (Paris, 1871)” by Peter Watkins, a documentary reconstruction of the Paris Commune.

Filmed in 1999 in an abandoned factory in Montreuil, La Commune uses television to tell the story of one of the most important episodes in the history of France and European socialism. In this Versailles and Paris of 1871, there are two imaginary television networks – one aligned with the government that had taken refuge in Versailles and the other in the service of the revolution. But rather than being a “historical film”, La Commune does not remain confined to the 19th century. Mixing elements of docudrama and intervention theatre, the cast includes around 200 participants (mostly unemployed non-actors, show business workers, sans-papiers, bourgeoisie) who occupy this experimental stage and also speak about their own circumstances and opinions.

Cinema Círculo aims to showcase works, formats and geographies that are underrepresented in the current distribution system and cinemas in Lisbon. A cinema that, for one reason or another, finds itself on the margins, without space, outside of a commercial logic that does not aim for profit, but that seeks reflection, debate and critical thinking.

The film lasts 5 hours and 45 minutes, has English subtitles and admission is free.