Nature Screen presents “Lascaux: How to Save 18,000 Years of History”

Lascaux is a complex cave famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings including the fantastical Hall of Bulls. Found in the Dordogne region of southwestern France in the Vézère Valley, it was given statutory historic monument protection in 1940, the same year it was discovered. In 1979 Lascaux was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, however, Lascaux and other caves in the area, with their hauntingly beautiful prehistoric cave paintings, are in peril. Recently, in Paris, over 200 archaeologists, anthropologists and other scientists gathered for an unprecedented symposium to discuss the plight of the priceless treasures of Lascaux, and to find a solution to preserve them for the future.

What transpired is the opening of the International Centre for Cave Art marking the beginning of a new adventure combining the emotion of ancestral art and an important technological achievement. For the first time, all of Lascaux is revealed. In this hybrid piece of concrete, steel and resin 262 yards long will be an exact reproduction of the world famous Lascaux cave. Nearly 150 people will take part in this venture. Artists and craftsmen will have just 3 years to bring to life the 18,000 year old work of prehistoric art. This fantastic documentary takes us on this important journey!