The History of Concrete
A documentary journey through the world of concrete and everyday life in New York City. Concrete – the most widely used building material in the world – becomes a starting point for humorous, unexpected, and reflective observations of life, the city, and human creativity. We accompany the director at industry conventions, travel to Rome – the cradle of ancient concrete – explore forgotten streets in the United States with old concrete surfaces, including the oldest concrete road in Ohio. We meet extraordinary individuals and unusual institutions connected to concrete: from a worker removing gum from New York sidewalks to a company preserving tattoos of deceased loved ones. Through humorous, observational shots and unexpected digressions, the film reveals the absurdity of contemporary life and social structures. Concrete – a metaphor for durability and decay – becomes a symbol of human creativity, impermanence, and the ongoing search for meaning.