TBI Factual Hot Picks: Le Mans 55, The Unauthorized Investigation

Producer: Federation Studio France & Empreinte Digitale | Distributor: Federation Studios | Broadcaster: Canal+ (France)

This feature-length documentary delves into the biggest tragedy of motor racing, through the eyes of the people who lived it.

On 11 June 1955, the legendary Le Mans 24-hour race turned into a nightmare, following a collision that led to the death of French driver Pierre Levegh, along with 82 spectators, injuring almost 120 more.

Despite this accident, the race continued – without the German team, which withdrew from Le Mans – ending in a bittersweet victory for Jaguar.
Sixty-five years after the tragedy, numerous questions remain despite previous investigation, including why would the files be classified and sealed until 2031?

“The terrible accident during the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1955 is fascinating for its shadowy areas,” says director Emmanuel Reyé.

“It is these areas that we have brought to light. I believe that the investigation reveals why the families’ mourning is impossible and the major role played by the French state in managing the tragedy.”

The film is a personal investigation for Reyé, who reveals that two of his uncles died in the accident.  “It was important to me to reveal this dramatic episode as it has changed my family forever.  When I started this project, I thought it was going to be a story about the unspoken in families but in the end, my film took on a whole new dimension.”

Reyé questions: “Not being able to get access to the judicial file was a shock to me. Not a single person involved, not a single company, wants to talk about it. Why?”