John Wilson's 'The History of Concrete' Opens in U.S. Theaters

Filmmaker John Wilson's debut feature, 'The History of Concrete,' premiered in select U.S. theaters last Friday, September 18. The documentary, distributed by Magnolia Pictures, explores concrete's pervasive presence in urban environments—from sidewalks and buildings to homes—and the eccentric subcultures and industries that have formed around the material. Wilson, previously known for the HBO docuseries 'How To with John Wilson,' describes his creative approach as akin to 'Planet Earth' but confined to New York and self-filmed, without David Attenborough. The film's trailer opens with the question, 'Do you ever think about concrete?' and promises an absurd yet insightful look at an everyday substance. Through Wilson's lens, concrete becomes an unlikely medium for understanding New York City and its inhabitants. The documentary includes appearances by individuals such as a man who runs a company called Gum Busters, highlighting the quirky characters tied to concrete-related work. 'The History of Concrete' is now showing in select theaters across the United States, with more information available on the film's official website.