Throughout its history, the Cinémathèque suisse has participated in the organisation of several monographic exhibitions, familiarising the public with Swiss and international cinematic heritage through the work of specific filmmakers. In 1982, the institution hosted an exhibition dedicated to Joris Ivens.
Ivens’ 50-year career is intertwined with some of the most important historical events of the 20th century, and he saw himself as a political observer. He travelled across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia with his camera in hand to film the actions of people fighting for their survival, their freedom and a fairer world.