Whispers of celluloid dreams and divine inspiration linger around the \u00c9glise Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis. This church in Joinville-le-Pont holds a unique place in both local history and the story of early cinema. Let’s step back in time.
The late 19th century saw Joinville-le-Pont transform. Farmlands became desirable residential plots. The area of Polangis grew. Entertainment spots and the establishment of factories marked this change. Among these factories were the Jougla plant and Path\u00e9 studios. This cemented the area’s link to the burgeoning film industry.
A modest chapel was erected in 1907. It was named Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis. Locals affectionately called it “the chapel of the factories”. A vicar served the growing community. The chapel expanded in 1908.
Then came a significant moment. Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis became a parish church. This occurred during the division of the Saint-Charles-Borrom\u00e9e parish. By 1914 the new parish had 153 children attending catechism.
Between 1936 and 1938, \u00c9glise Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis hosted memorial masses. These honored those who died in the film industry. Cardinal Verdier often attended. The last of these ceremonies moved to the Saint-Charles church.
In 1937 Joinville-le-Pont earned the title of “the homeland of cinema” in France. Cardinal Verdier envisioned a grander church. This church would replace Sainte-Anne. It would be dedicated to Notre-Dame du Cin\u00e9ma. A global fundraising campaign launched. Verdier saw cinema as a powerful art form. He wanted a church at the heart of cinema. World War II halted the project.
Time marched on. In 1999 the parishes of Joinville-le-Pont united. They came under a single cur\u00e9. A renovation in 2010 gave \u00c9glise Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis a new parvis.
The church stands as a red brick structure. Its design features a central nave with classic windows. Side aisles were added in 1908. These are lit by oculi. A small awning shelters the entrance. A slate-covered campanile rises above the facade. The stained-glass windows depict scenes from the New Testament.
Today \u00c9glise Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis continues its spiritual role. It stands as a testament to faith and film history. The \u00c9glise Sainte-Anne-de-Polangis is part of a parish. This parish includes the Saint Charles church.