Brittany, France – In the early to mid-20th century, a group of eminent scholars from Paris spent their summer holidays in L'Arcouest, a town located along the English Channel in the Brittany region. This circle of intellectuals included Marie Curie, Jean Perrin, Frédéric Joliot, and Irène Joliot-Curie. Now, a documentary film titled L'esprit de L'Arcouest, released this year, sheds light on this little-known chapter of history.
L'esprit de L'Arcouest was directed by Florence Riou and set in the early 20th century at the Arcouest point in Brittany, facing the Bréhat archipelago.
The film revolves around a group of professors from the Sorbonne who gather each summer, united by shared values stemming from the Dreyfus Affair, such as the pursuit of knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Curie legacy
The narrative is primarily conveyed through the insights of Hélène Langevin-Joliot, a physicist and granddaughter of Pierre and Marie Curie.
She reflects on the motivations that drove this group, which became known as "Sorbonne plage" in the 1930s. The film explores how these academics significantly influenced French research and engaged with societal issues throughout the 20th century, particularly in response to the rise of totalitarian ideologies.
The documentary not only recounts historical events but also prompts viewers to consider the relationship between knowledge and society today, emphasizing the importance of science and culture in promoting peace.
It features commentary from historians of science Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent and Andrée Bergeron, providing a broader context to the discussions initiated by Langevin-Joliot's experiences and reflections.
According to Riou, the L'Arcouest group started arriving in 1898 around the time of the Alfred Dreyfus trial.
She said at the time of this trial scientists were pushing for the use of scientifc knowledge and methodology for analysing evidence to ensure more justice in the society as well as for the development of ciritical outlook by everyone.
Many individuals in this group would go on to make important contributions notably for the institutionalisation of science in France.
