Willy Ronis
A Day in Oradour

  • France
  • fr
  • en
  • 23'
Willy Ronis | A Day in Oradour

Synopsis

In June 1949, Louis Aragon asks Willy Ronis to photograph the “caravans of Peace” in Oradour. Two years after the start of the Cold War, peaceful mobilization is back on the agenda and the tragic village of Oradour-sur-Glane is chosen to symbolically host the first Peace Congress. Willy Ronis unveils his unpublished archives and immerses himself in the highlights of the event, the interventions of Louis Aragon, Elsa Triolet, Picasso... The testimonies of Pierre Daix, journalist, who covered the Congress, and Pascal Plas, historian, bring this forgotten period back to life.

What you will find in this film

The testimony of Willy Ronis faced with his archives • The issues of the late 1940s • A report commissioned by Louis Aragon for Les Lettres Françaises • The words of Pierre Daix who experienced that day and published Willy Ronis' photos • Why Oradour, symbol of peace? • The mobilization of Louis Aragon, Elsa Triolet, Pablo Picasso for peace • What was expected of reporters at the time • Angles that interested Willy Ronis • The importance to him of staying away from the crowd • Unpublished images of the provisional village of Oradour in 1949 • Life resumes in the reconstructed village • Willy Ronis' opinion on the role of captions in the press • The 1994 publication of Les Lettres Françaises

I moved away from the crowd so that I could tour the ruins, steep myself in them, without being distracted by people's conversations.

Dive behind the scenes of photography.
Enjoy unlimited access to our content, risk-free and with no strings attached!

Dive Behind the Scenes of Photography!

Remember the first time you held a camera, that thrill of capturing a one-of-a-kind moment... Relive that magic, dive into the wonders of photography, uncover its secrets, and fuel your inspiration with an exceptional collection of documentary films and original creations, complemented by exclusive articles, interviews, and a wealth of resources that invite you to observe the world from a fresh perspective.

By Photography Enthusiasts, For Photography Enthusiasts

The Darkroom Rumour is a groundbreaking video library aimed at inspiring and nurturing the photographic realm. It was conceived by enthusiasts who wanted to fill the glaring lack of films and documentaries about photography on our TV screens and streaming platforms. Each film is handpicked and thoughtfully introduced, saving you hours of searching. We add one to two new films to our collection every month.

Fuel Your Photographic Journey

Imagine where your passion could take you tomorrow. Draw inspiration from the journeys and insights of top photographers and craftsmen. Advance your photography practice, deepen your personal research, and even boost your confidence... The Darkroom Rumour offers a unique space, welcoming all forms of photography, without bias to style or genre. It's a haven for discovery, reflection, and entertainment. Pressure-free, judgment-free, at your own pace.

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached

Experience total freedom. Whether you're at home, on the move, or on vacation, The Darkroom Rumour is available for streaming worldwide, always at your fingertips, hassle-free. Choose the access type that suits you best and explore all that The Darkroom Rumour has to offer with our 7-day free trial. No risks, no commitments. Dive in and experience pure inspiration!

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached
Start your free trial

Linked Articles

Further exploration

Bibliography

Instagram

• PARIS RONIS - artist: Willy Ronis ; 2018 ; Flammarion ; bilingual edition

• WILLY RONIS BY WILLY RONIS: THE MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER’S UNPUBLISHED ALBUMS - author: Matthieu Rivallin ; 2018 ; Flammarion

• WILLY RONIS - authors: Alexander Gaude, Jean-Claude Gautrand, Markus Müller and Ann-Katrin Hahn ; 2013 ; Kehrer Verlag ; bilingual edition

• WILLY RONIS: LA VIE EN PASSANT - authors: Sylvia Bohmer and Matthias Harder ; 2005 ; Prestel ; bilingual edition

• WILLY RONIS - directed by Jean-Claude Gautrand ; 2005 ; Taschen

• WILLY RONIS - author: Paul Ryan ; 2002 ; Phaidon Press

• SUNDAYS BY THE RIVER - author: Noel Simsolo ; 1999 ; Smithsonian Books

• WILLY RONIS: PHOTOGRAPHS, 1926-1995 - author: Peter Hamilton ; 1995 ; Museum of Modern Art

• WILLY RONIS, 1934-1987 - author: Hiromi Nakamura ; 1991 ; Editions Treville

• ON CHANCE’S EDGE - artist: Willy Ronis ; 1991 ; Contrejour