Like every year for almost twenty years,
Christian Jeanpierre
slipped behind the scenes of Les
Enfoirés
.
This Saturday, February 24 from 1:40 p.m. on TF1, he delivers a documentary highlighting the underside of the famous concert and the secrets of its preparation in which the artists give themselves without filter.
Active rehearsals, solidarity between the singers, moments of stress… nothing escapes his trained eye.
To celebrate the collective's 35th anniversary, the journalist is also unearthing some tasty new archives, notably with Jean-Jacques Goldman.
Enough to make fans' mouths water, a week before the concert is broadcast, Friday March 1 on TF1.
To discover
TV tonight: our selection of the day
TV MAGAZINE - Les Enfoirés are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. How did the artists experience this anniversary?
Christian JEANPIERRE -
They felt that it was a date like no other.
The call from the president of Restos du coeur in September, saying that the situation was dramatic, woke everyone up.
There was therefore a general awareness and the desire to give one's time.
More than fifty artists are present this year, which is exceptional.
The youngest realize that they are part of a strong history and that they must live up to what their elders did before them.
It's very touching.
Also read: Mimie Mathy, Lorie, Christophe Maé... The main absentees from Enfoirés 2024
Some say, about this anniversary, that they would prefer not to celebrate it…
It is indeed an anniversary that we did not want to celebrate but since we are here, we might as well do it and go all out.
We have to think about what Coluche said: instead of lamenting, we can do humanitarian work while being joyful.
The opening of the show was particularly moving and we owe it to Anne Marcassus, the artistic director of the show.
Everything depends on her, her energy, her address book, the desire to surpass herself…
Among the new releases this year, there is the new anthem co-written by Patrick Bruel and Ycare. Why is this an important moment?
Patrick Bruel suggested Ycare to write the song.
In the documentary, we discover the construction of the song, the public's reception, the reactions of the other Enfoirés.
Ycare is an ultrasensitive being.
During the week of rehearsals and concerts in Bordeaux, he wanted to go on a trip with the president of Restos du coeur and Romain Colucci.
He came home upset.
He is an artist who gets to the bottom of things and wants to give meaning to his commitment.
And I also find his song remarkable.
How did you experience this year's report?
I was touched by the sincerity of the artists.
I find that we learn a lot of things.
I have super strong testimonies from Jean-Louis Aubert to Patrick Bruel via Élodie Fontan, Anne Sila and Vianney.
I always work with the same cameramen because they are used to it and the artists know them.
This proximity is necessary for them to confide without filter.
“From the outside, it may seem like it’s just a concert, but it represents a colossal amount of work.”
Christian Jeanpierre on the Enfoirés concert
How is the atmosphere behind the scenes?
From the outside, it may seem like it's just a concert, but it represents a colossal amount of work.
The personalities arrive at the Zénith at 10 a.m. and leave at 1 a.m. during the three days of rehearsals.
Then, the concerts follow one another.
The atmosphere is therefore extremely studious.
What touches me is the goodwill that exists between them.
When, at one point, Michèle Laroque has a problem, Santa comes to help her.
And the public feels that.
It's fantastic because, if there are around fifty Enfoirés on stage, there are 7,000 in the shadows every night.
The audience is totally part of the team.
You who have been following behind the scenes for twenty years, what has been the evolution of these concerts over the years?
15 or 20 years ago, we worked with decorations in solid wood or plasterboard.
Today, there are digital screens that offer sumptuous graphic work, matching the costumes, lighting and technique.
The appearance of sketches also changed things.
With cinema pros like Philippe Lacheau and his gang or even Dany Boon and Kad Merad, it immediately takes on a crazy scale.
Also read: Les Enfoirés 2024: who are the new personalities to join the troupe?
Your documentary is broadcast one week before the concert. How do you find the right balance in what you show?
With my co-director and editor Clément Taupin, we are tightrope walkers because we have to make people want to watch the show without revealing too much.
The idea is to show everything that happens before the show with as much sincerity as possible, in particular the network that exists between the Restos du coeur, the volunteers, the beneficiaries and the artists.
The shadowy people have a strong place in the film. Why is this important to you?
The Restos du coeur need the Enfoirés but the Enfoirés are nothing without the volunteers and the public.
So that’s the very component of this story, everyone forms a team.
You dug up archives to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Les Enfoirés. What stood out to you?
The modernity of Coluche which turns the tables to help those who are in difficulty.
He is one step ahead and he was not mistaken in calling on Jean-Jacques Goldman to write the anthem of the Restos.
The song has stood the test of time.
The chorus and verses are crazy powerful.
You show different archive images of Jean-Jacques Goldman in your film. Did you tell him he would be part of it?
I warned him that I was going to reuse exclusive interviews, it was the least I could do.
I brought out an interview from 2012 which ends the report in which he says in essence: don't wait to be thanked and consider it a chance to experience this adventure.
All is said.
After the death of Coluche, Jean-Jacques Goldman took over for the Enfoirés...
Yes and he established a state of mind which was perfectly understood by big names like Patrick Bruel, Maxime Le Forestier, Francis Cabrel or Alain Souchon.
This spirit has endured.
It lives without Jean-Jacques Goldman but everyone refers to him and thinks very highly of him.
The story continues and that's what he wanted.
Do you think he will one day return to the adventure?
I have far too much respect and friendship for him to answer for him... (laughs).
Does he watch the show and does he still have a link with Restos du coeur?
Of course, especially since he has plenty of friends among artists like Patrick Bruel or Patrick Fiori.
There is a very strong link with the Restos du Cœur, that’s for sure.
What are your other projects ?
I will commentate on the European Nations Championship in June for the Pan-African channel NWTV.
I also have a documentary project on one of the most inspiring people of the 21st century.
Finally, I am actively involved in the Premiers de cordée association of which Kylian Mbappé is the godfather.
We are preparing a concert event at the Olympia next November for the 25th anniversary of the association.