Yvan, a young stonecutter at the Center for Alexandrian Studies, must create a masterwork in order to prove his capacities and become a Companion of the Tour of France. He has decided to create an Islamic architectural item, a mihrab, which is the Mecca-oriented niche in a mosque. After doing extensive field research visiting several monuments in Cairo, Yvan sketches out his mihrab on the computer. Then, he orders stones from a quarry and he prepares the instruments he is going to need himself. He can then begin his work. It is going to take about 1.000 hours, i.e. 7 months.
The film shows in detail the successive stages of Yvan’s work, from conception to realisation and to placement, with commentary by the stonecutter, who also shares his thoughts on the Companionship and on the progress of its members.
- Direction: RAYMOND COLLET
- Production: CENTRE D'ETUDES ALEXANDRINES, JEAN-YVES EMPEREUR
