Film «Asphalte Public»

Film screening at the Lichtspiel

Asphalte Public, 2025

Who owns public space? Over 5,000 m² of asphalt stretches
across the centre of Biel. The ambivalence of this rectangular grey expanse is provocative. The square reflects the history of a city caught between crisis and renewal, and remains characterised by constant change to this day. A multi-perspective film about urban development and open space.
 

Director and screenplay: Jan Buchholz
Based on an idea by: Jan Buchholz & Janosch Perler
Production: Gregor Frei, hiddenframe GmbH
Camera: Janosch Perler, Verena Endtner, Jan Buchholz, Gregor Frei
Sound: Jan Gubser, Nadja Gubser
Editing: Jan Mühlethaler
Music: Christian Müller, Julian Sartorius, Peter Conradin Zumthor
Co-production: Aardvark Film Emporium / SRF and SRG SSR
Distribution: Mythenfilm

Director’s note
My initial idea for this film was to observe the transformation of a place over an extended period of time. The “Place de l’Esplanade” in the centre of Biel seemed suitable to me because it has repeatedly sparked controversial discussions within the city. On the one hand, there is literally plenty of space there to do something – a typical Swiss multi-purpose square, in fact – and on the other hand, the tarmac is too hot to stay on for long.

The square reflects current events and the shifting awareness of ecological and urban issues, yet also offers a glimpse into the past. Flanked by the Congress Centre, the Autonomous Youth Centre and the new buildings, the square is surrounded by three social landmarks closely linked to the city’s character. Amidst economic upswing and various crises, a distinct mentality and cosmopolitanism have emerged, which could also be described as ‘The Biel Way’.

The chosen choral cinematic approach reflects my intention to tell the story of this place from multiple perspectives and – following the example of the ancient agora – to launch a public urban dialogue that will hopefully continue.

Jan Buchholz