Paris Con Art: Lies and Gastronomy is a French documentary directed by Aurore Aubin, airing on Canal+ on January 7, 2025 during prime time. This « Culture Infos » format takes a closer look at a fraud case that, in the mid-2010s, stirred up the Parisian business, cultural, and media scenes, centered around an ambitious urban development project dedicated to gastronomy.
The documentary chronicles the story of an entrepreneur who, in 2014, managed to persuade many influential figures across All of Paris of the existence of a future district entirely dedicated to French gastronomy. Presented as an innovative project blending culture, heritage, and the art of living, the concept captured the interest of investors, chefs, local officials, and institutional partners alike.
As the investigation unfolds, the film uncovers that this project was never real. Through interviews, archival footage, and reconstructed events, The Paris Con Artist sheds light on the mechanics behind the scam, the vulnerabilities that were exploited, and the profound human, financial, and symbolic toll it took on those involved.
With this film, director Aurore Aubin continues a tradition of investigative documentary filmmaking that explores contemporary stories of manipulation and deception. The narrative structure is built around a carefully sequenced timeline of events, contrasting the initial claims of the project’s originator with the startling truths uncovered through thorough investigation.
The documentary also explores the context of the era, characterized by a fascination with major urban development projects and the global prestige of French cuisine—factors that fostered quick and often unquestioning support from certain circles.
The Paris Swindler: Lies and Gastronomy appeals to viewers interested in business scandals, stories of deception, and behind-the-scenes insights into the economic and cultural worlds. The film delves into themes such as collective gullibility, the power of image and rhetoric, and the role of middlemen in spreading fraudulent schemes.
With its educational and fact-based approach, the documentary fits seamlessly alongside other investigative programs that explore financial scandals and modern-day deceptions.
The Paris Con Artist: Lies and Gastronomy
TV Documentary | 2025
Air Date: January 7, 2025, at 9:09 PM on Canal+
Society | Duration: 1h30
Directed by: Aurore Aubin
Country: France
Revisiting a lesser-known story to the general public but one that exemplifies certain abuses, Paris Con Artist offers a thorough analysis of a meticulously crafted deception and the fascination it held over an audience that was not easily duped.
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