Chrysotile

In the 1990s, the dangers of asbestos were finally acknowledged, a painful revelation with far-reaching consequences for thousands of workers who had been exposed to it for decades. 

Chrysotile explores the stringent precautions required to safely remove and decontaminate this silent killer, which goes by many names. In contrast, the film also features heartfelt testimonies of a group of senior miners, who express their resentment toward the failing French state. Rather than following a linear, explanatory format, director Sarah Del Pino adopts a more poetic approach. Through tranquil, static shots, she highlights the mysterious qualities of this deadly material that once played a key role in creating the very homes people believed to be safe.