Unarchive Complexity is an art and science event dedicated to the transmission of the science of complex systems through the CNRS’s scientific audiovisual heritage.
It is organized in collaboration with CNRS Images, the CNRS’s audiovisual department, which has been archiving scientific films and photographs since 1917, and in partnership with the University of Montreal, the University Sorbonne Nouvelle, the Institut de Cinématographie Scientifique and the Archivio Audiovisivo de Movimento Operaio e Democratico (Italy) and the British Film Institut National Archive.
Unarchive Complexity explores the links between science, memory and creativity, with the aim of fostering dialogue between scientists, audiovisual creators, science communicators, historians and the general public on the connections between ecosystems and food – the latter being the theme of the 2026 Fête de la Science.
The links between ecosystems and food will be examined through the lens of complex systems science and via scientific archives in an edition entitled Saveurs d’autrefois .
Unarchive Complexity will take place at TOTEM on 9 October 2026, featuring a programme combining:
- screenings and discussions of archive films
- a selection of films creatively reusing scientific footage, submitted in response to a call for films,
- a creative archive editing marathon throughout September (exact dates to be confirmed),
- science outreach sessions,
- public lectures,
- and a closing film concert
Le TOTEM
11 place Nationale 75013Paris.
