New at Science Gateway: "Les vrais chercheurs ne savent pas ce qu'ils cherchent" (Real researchers don’t know what they’re looking for), a documentary by Jean-Luc Perréard et Cédric Klapisch about CERN.

70 years ago, CERN was created at the heart of Europe with an ambitious mission: to unravel the mysteries of the Universe. Since then, researchers from around the world have gathered here in a unique spirit of collaboration. Among them was particle physicist Robert Klapisch, who dedicated many years of his life to his work here, including as CERN’s Director for Research – a position he held from 1981 to 1987.

His son, Cédric Klapisch, director of many popular films including L’Auberge espagnole (Pot Luck), has long hoped to understand the work that his father found so fascinating. In 2021, when construction began on the CERN Science Gateway, he followed the project closely, drawn in by the work of architect Renzo Piano, but also by a more personal connection: the loss of his father. So began a journey of discovery, where history and science meet art and memory, featuring discussions with CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti, as well as many young researchers from the generation that witnessed the discovery of the Higgs boson and is continuing the incredible quest for knowledge. 

Covering the Higgs boson, the Big Bang and more, and co-writted by Jean-Luc Perréard and Cédric Klapisch, the new documentary offers a poetic, thoughtful and humorous insight into CERN and its researchers, and touches on some of the key scientific questions they hope to answer.

The documentary film Real researchers don’t know what they’re looking for will be regularly shown at CERN’s Science Gateway for visitors, when auditorium is available.

35-minute documentary
Written and directed by Jean-Luc Perréard and Cédric Klapisch
A Ce qui me meut production 
In French and English with subtitles