Charbon

Director: Elora Thevenet
Release Year: 2018

"Charbon" is an evocative and intimate documentary directed by Elora Thevenet, offering a unique insight into the underground, avant-garde art scene of Paris in the late 2010s. Far from a typical artistic exploration, the film dives deep into the lives and creative processes of a new generation of artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and performers who shape the cultural pulse of the city. Through vivid portrayals of the artists' lives, passions, and struggles, Charbon is both a document of the present moment and an enduring testament to a rising cultural movement.

 

The documentary was born from a desire to capture the vibrancy and diversity of Paris' emergent creative scene, a scene that thrives away from the mainstream. It began as a collective project under the initiative of Kahl Editions, represented by Sarah Kahloun, and Black New Black, led by Harmony Coryn. The project sought to compile a book of art, photography, and stories from over 50 contributors - artists and writers who were creating and reshaping the cultural landscape of Paris. The book served as a counterpart to the film, enriching and expanding the narrative that the movie presents. In essence, Charbon is not only about the art itself, but also about the spaces, the relationships, and the raw moments that shape these creators' lives. It offers viewers a glimpse behind the scenes, into the shared spaces of artists, where creativity flows freely, interwoven with the kind of intimate moments often lost in public presentations of art. The film juxtaposes the intellectual and creative worlds of these artists with the social dynamics that often accompany their work. Whether it’s through performances, conversations, or late-night gatherings, Charbon reveals how closely connected art is to the social realm, the dynamics of fame, and the roles people assume within artistic communities. In a sense, the documentary embodies a collective ethos, highlighting that creative work is not just about individual achievement, but also about the broader community it nurtures. Thevenet's approach emphasizes this collaborative spirit. She reflects: “We wanted to showcase the richness of Parisian life, leave a trace, and revalue our surroundings through a collective and human lens.” 

 

One of the central themes of Charbon is the intersection of creation and social status. The question of how artists rise to prominence within the underground scene, how roles are assigned, and how hierarchies emerge within artistic circles, is an essential part of the narrative. Thevenet explains that the film touches on this social dynamic, drawing parallels between the scene's gatherings and a schoolyard where roles are quickly established. "Emerging artists are also often the dominant figures in avant-garde scenes," Thevenet shares. Charbon explores these dynamics, including the importance of socializing at parties and events as a way to build connections, solidify reputations, and fuel creative energy. Figures like Simon Thiebaut, Régina Demina, and Igor Dewe - whose work and personal dynamics have been shaped by years of shared encounters in the Parisian nightlife - embody this process of artistic networking and self-presentation. 

 

In terms of the film’s production, Charbon was conceived as a collective effort. The protagonists in the documentary are drawn from those featured in the accompanying book, which was initially compiled by the Black New Black collective and expanded by Kahl Editions. Each artist and participant brought their own contributions to the project, influencing its direction. Thevenet was particularly invested in the chemistry between certain participants, such as the deeply platonic relationship between Igor and Régina, which she sought to highlight on screen. When asked about the selection of protagonists, Thevenet remarks that while the film includes well-known figures, it also features less recognized ones, making it a balance between discovery and familiarity. The intention was not simply to capture the scene's stars but to provide a fuller portrait of its diversity and complexity. An interesting feature of Charbon is its decision to largely avoid showcasing the artists’ finished works. Instead, it offers an unvarnished look at their lives, their routines, and the interactions that fuel their art. The film is not about presenting the artwork in its polished form; it’s about immersing the viewer in the world these artists inhabit - one where creation is a constant and collective effort. This choice was deliberate. As Thevenet explains, the book pays homage to the works of the featured artists, while the film focuses on the backstage of their lives. It’s about exploring the nature of being an artist rather than simply displaying the results of artistic labor. 

 

One of the striking visual elements of Charbon is the performance scene featuring a tattooing ritual designed to symbolize the film's thematic core. The performance, which initially seemed like an offhand idea, grew into an intense, transformative event. Eight people were tattooed in a way that connected their bodies, reflecting the interconnectedness of the artistic community. For many involved, this experience was transformative, binding them to each other and to the larger creative force they were contributing to. Thevenet describes the five-hour performance, orchestrated with tattoo artist Nicholas Don Giancarli, as a cathartic experience, one that left a lasting impact on the participants, including Tristan, who felt a lifelong bond with the others post-performance. This raw, vulnerable expression of unity is a central visual metaphor of Charbon: the idea that the artistic community is bound by a shared force, whether in their art or in their experiences. Another key aspect of the film is its musical soundtrack, which captures the pulse of the underground scene. The music pulsates with the rhythms of techno and gabber - genres that have taken over Paris' underground clubs. Léonie Pernet, one of the film’s featured artists, commented on the hunger for intense, pounding beats, a desire for music that disrupts and challenges the listener's senses. This emphasis on music is crucial to understanding the atmosphere that Charbon captures: a world of perpetual motion and intensity. 

 

While the primary focus of Charbon is art, it is also politically charged. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult and controversial topics. One of the most significant subjects explored is the experience of transgender individuals. Through personal accounts from Simon and Claude-Emmanuelle, the film portrays their journeys with sensitivity and sincerity, providing visibility to a community whose struggles often remain on the periphery of mainstream culture. Another significant political undercurrent is the critique of gender norms, with figures like Leslie Barbara Butch speaking openly about body image and societal expectations. These conversations are not just personal but reflect the collective struggle for acceptance and equality within the artistic and social landscapes. Although Charbon doesn't directly position itself as an overtly political film, these themes are woven throughout, reflecting the broader societal context in which the art scene exists. One of the more poignant aspects of Charbon is its treatment of the "monsters" that society tends to fear. The documentary attempts to reclaim the term, portraying these individuals not as outcasts or anomalies but as individuals creating and living freely in a society that often marginalizes them. The film’s portrayal of their unrelenting desire for freedom - whether in terms of gender, body, or identity - serves as an affirmation of a generation’s resilience and creative spirit. Thevenet reflects on this in the film’s broader message of love and tolerance. The documentary isn’t simply about showcasing art; it’s about telling the story of a generation fighting for space to express themselves in all their complexity. 

 

Charbon is just the first chapter in an ongoing project. Thevenet and the teams behind Kahl Editions and Black New Black are already looking toward future volumes under the banner "Under," continuing to explore the intimate and revolutionary nature of Paris' underground scenes. As they expand the boundaries of this artistic documentation, Charbon stands as a tribute to a generation that refuses to be contained, offering a glimpse into the unrestrained creative energy of Paris at the turn of the decade. In conclusion, Charbon is not just a documentary; it’s an act of preservation, a vivid snapshot of a fleeting moment in time that will leave a lasting impact. It captures the heart of a cultural revolution that, for better or worse, will forever reshape the artistic landscape. As the filmmakers continue to explore the depths of the underground, Charbon stands as a testament to the power of community, the rawness of art, and the limitless potential of those who dare to create outside the lines.

 

via: youtube

 manifesto-21.com and prussianblue.fr

Image credits: YouTube