The History of Concrete
UW Cinematheque 821 University Ave., UW Vilas Hall, Room 4070, Madison, Wisconsin
media release: USA | 2026 | DCP| 101 mins.
Director: John Wilson
Unsure of what to do after the conclusion of his essential HBO show How To With John Wilson, first-person filmmaker John Wilson enrolls in a workshop on how to create the perfect Hallmark movie. He then attempts to apply what he’s learned to a new project: a documentary about concrete. This omnipresent, overlooked building material leads him down a mind-bending array of rabbit holes. With his signature mix of inquisitive wonder, alert street photography, and witty, free-associative editing, Wilson unerringly finds funny and roundabout avenues into the profound. (MK)
Admission is free, seating limited. No admission 15 minutes after scheduled start times.
The Premieres series continues with more early and exclusive looks at the very best in current arthouse cinema—on the big screen where they belong! This spring kicks off with the anticipated return of a leading light of 21st century independent cinema—director Joe Swanberg, who will join us in person for his new film, The Sun Never Sets. In October, director J.M. Harper and journalist Jesse Lewis will appear to discuss the fascinating new documentary Soul Patrol. Additional highlights include the winner of the2026 Palme d’Or (Fjord), a documentary 50 years in the making (Once Upon a Time in Harlem), and two daring new indies screening on 35mm film (Rose of Nevada and The Misconceived). This series was made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous cinephile.
