The art of shoemaking: preserving and renewing expertise

“Pas’sation”: a documentary on the transition from traditional craftsmanship to modern customisation

“Pas’sation” is a captivating documentary film directed by Tom Marcelle that delves into the world of traditional shoemaking in Lyon, a place where the heritage of the past meets contemporary trends. The film explores the history of an ancestral craft through the journey of Hervé Dworwiczak, an emblematic shoemaker in Vieux Lyon, who is retiring after 30 years in the trade. The documentary follows this last year of Hervé’s career, while highlighting the transition to a new generation of designers, with the arrival of Claire Angleys, a talented customiser of sneakers, who takes over.

The art of shoemaking: preserving and renewing expertise

The documentary opens with “La Cordonnerie du Vieux Lyon”, an establishment where the work of materials and shapes blends with a history of passion and expertise. Over the years, Hervé Dworwiczak has fashioned a veritable art, using noble materials and ancestral techniques to bring worn shoes back to life.

Claire Angleys, who has a proven track record in Amsterdam in customising sneakers, is taking over the shoemaker’s business. Her modern vision and talent add a new dimension to the place. By incorporating sneaker customisation into her offering, she is attracting a younger, more dynamic clientele, while respecting the artisan heritage left by Hervé.

A transition rich in exchanges

Beyond the techniques of shoemaking and customisation, “Pas’sation” highlights the relationship between Hervé and Claire, marked by a fruitful exchange between tradition and innovation. The film reveals a warm atmosphere, where the old hands pass on their knowledge to the new generation. Through their interactions, we see Claire’s desire to preserve the essence of Hervé’s work, while reinventing shoemaking to meet the new expectations of her customers.

The film crew, including assistant director Juliette Martin, cinematographer Ken Hassen-Ali, sound engineer Malo Gerin, boom operator and editor Maya Mahjoub, and electro technician Timothé Heuguet, captured the essence of this pivotal moment. The film not only documents the work of the craftsmen, but also explores the subtleties of Claire’s creative process, between artistic modifications and adaptations to the needs of an increasingly demanding clientele.

A look at the evolution of the profession

One of the most fascinating aspects of “Pas’sation” is the way it looks at the evolution of traditional shoemaking in the face of the new challenges of personalisation. By following Claire’s arrival in the workshop, the documentary shows how the trade can reinvent itself without losing its soul. The transition between these two visions of the craft is a natural one, driven by a shared passion for quality workmanship and a deep respect for materials.

The film was shot with the support of La Cordonnerie du Vieux Lyon and Lyon Sneakers Lab, enabling the film to be anchored in the reality of the field. This documentary doesn’t just capture a period of transition in the history of a workshop; it invites us to reflect on how artisanal trades can evolve in an ever-changing world, while preserving their know-how and authenticity.

“Pas’sation” is much more than just a portrait of craftspeople: it’s a tribute to the transmission of passion, respect for tradition and creative innovation. A film that resonates as a symbol of continuity and renewal in the world of craftsmanship.