Documentary backdrop image for Islands (1987)

198758 minNot Rateddocumentary

7.0/ 10(7 ratings)• TMDB

Islands

198758 minNot Rateddocumentary

7.0/ 10(7 ratings)• TMDB

Eleven man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, Florida, are wrapped in vibrant pink plastic sheets as part of an ambitious art installation.

Genres

Directors

Watch later

Synopsis

Eleven man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, Florida, are wrapped in vibrant pink plastic sheets as part of an ambitious art installation.

People

View all →

Albert Mayslesdirector

Charlotte Zwerindirector

David Mayslesdirector

Christocast

Jeanne-Claudecast

Synopsis

Christo and Jeanne-Claude navigate bureaucratic hurdles as they seek approvals for their ambitious art installations. The film features the wrapping of the historic Pont Neuf in Paris and the Reichstag in Berlin. The centerpiece is the creation of eleven man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, Florida, covered in bright pink plastic sheets. Directed by Albert and David Maysles, "Islands" captures the artists' innovative spirit and their impact on contemporary art. Jacques Chirac and Willy Brandt make appearances, adding context to the projects.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See Christo and Jeanne-Claude's unique art installations.
Meet influential figures like Jacques Chirac and Willy Brandt.
Find out about the challenges of public art projects.

Did You Know

The film features the installation of eleven islands in Biscayne Bay.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the Pont Neuf in Paris in 1985.
The Reichstag in Berlin was wrapped in fabric in 1995.
The documentary runs for 58 minutes.

Perfect For

Contemporary art loversPublic installation enthusiastsFans of Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary 'Islands'?

Albert Maysles directed the documentary 'Islands'.

What is the main project featured in 'Islands'?

The main project featured is the installation of eleven man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, Florida, covered in vibrant pink plastic sheets.

Which historic sites were wrapped in Christo and Jeanne-Claude's installations?

The historic Pont Neuf in Paris and the Reichstag in Berlin were wrapped in their installations.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

1h38m

The Gates

2008•1h38m•★6.1TMDB

7,503 saffron-colored fabric gates span 23 miles of pathways in Central Park as artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude bring their vision to life.

The Gates

2008

49m

The Jeff Koons Show

2004•49m•★4.5TMDB

Jeff Koons articulates his artistic vision and creative processes, while artists like Chuck Close and Julian Schnabel discuss his influence on contemporary art.

The Jeff Koons Show

2004

52m

Parenno created the exhibition

2021•52m

Philippe Parreno occupies 22,000 square meters at Palais de Tokyo for his exhibition, marking the first time a single artist has been given such a large space.

Parenno created the exhibition

2021

55m

Niki De Saint Phalle - The story of a free woman

2020•55m

Niki de Saint Phalle created large sculptures known as Nanas, which are displayed in public spaces worldwide and symbolize joy and freedom.

Niki De Saint Phalle - The story of a free woman

2020

44m

Treasure Of Lima - Buried Exhibition on Cocos Island

2022•44m

A crew of seven travels 550 kilometers across the Pacific to bury an art exhibition on Cocos Island, known for its legendary pirate treasures.

Treasure Of Lima - Buried Exhibition on Cocos Island

2022

27m

On the Ice Floe

2026•27m

In Rimouski, Quebec, artist Joseph Kieffer collaborates with local ice fishermen to create unique weather vanes in exchange for their stories.

On the Ice Floe

2026

31m

Welcome to my Private Island

2026•31m

Private island ownership in Europe presents unique challenges and costs, from environmental protection to maintenance, revealing the realities behind this lifestyle.

Welcome to my Private Island

2026

42m

Treasure islands in the Pacific - From Hawaii to the Cook Islands (1/2)

2025•42m

More than 20,000 km are covered by a camera team traveling through remote Pacific islands, including Hawaii and the Cook Islands, with a population of 1.5 million.

Treasure islands in the Pacific - From Hawaii to the Cook Islands (1/2)

2025

52m

Greece : Athens And The Islands

2016•52m

Athens showcases a blend of modernity and archaeological wealth, while the Greek islands reveal their unique lifestyles and exceptional quality of life.

Greece : Athens And The Islands

2016

44m

The Genius Construction Of Ancient Rome's Colosseum

2022•44m

A budget of 25 million Euros is allocated for the restoration and preservation of the Colosseum's facade and interior.

The Genius Construction Of Ancient Rome's Colosseum

2022

44m

Magic Tricks Gone Deadly! - When Magic Goes Horribly Wrong - Documentary

2024•44m

A 45-year-old escapologist named Michael Anthony Mooney, known as the Great Mudini, nearly drowned during a dangerous stunt involving handcuffs and a water tank.

Magic Tricks Gone Deadly! - When Magic Goes Horribly Wrong - Documentary

2024

1h30m

An Honest Liar

2014•1h30m•★7.1TMDB

At age 81, James Randi publicly came out as gay while investigating the deception of psychics and faith healers in his long career as a skeptic.

An Honest Liar

2014

Explore Islands

Cast & Crew Deep Dive FAQ Stream

Where else to watch

1h30m

An Honest Liar

2014•1h30m•★7.1TMDB

At age 81, James Randi publicly came out as gay while investigating the deception of psychics and faith healers in his long career as a skeptic.

An Honest Liar

2014

No digital watch option in your country

1h45m

Walking on Water

2019•1h45m•★6.2TMDB

Christo's installation of 'The Floating Piers' on Lake Iseo in Italy is shaped by his emotional struggles following the death of his collaborator and wife, Jeanne-Claude.

Walking on Water

2019

58m

Christo in Paris

1990•58m•★7.3TMDB

Conceptual artist Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude orchestrated the ambitious project of wrapping the historic Pont-Neuf in Paris with fabric.

Christo in Paris

1990

1h34m

It All Started With a Stale Sandwich

2019•1h34m•★7.0TMDB

In 1968, John Kaldor's idea for Christo's wrapping of the Little Bay coastline began with a stale sandwich in a New York studio.

It All Started With a Stale Sandwich

2019

1h37m

Treasure Island

2018•1h37m•★6.5TMDB

Visitors to an island in the Paris region experience a summer of leisure, with some seeking adventure while others find solace in its hidden corners.

Treasure Island

2018

1h21m

Umbrellas

1994•1h21m•★8.0TMDB

Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 1991 environmental art project involved wrapping buildings and landscapes in fabric in Japan and California.

Umbrellas

1994

1h45m

Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow

2011•1h45m•★6.6TMDB

Anselm Kiefer transforms his hill-studio estate in the South of France into a canvas that integrates history and mythology into his artistic vision.

Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow

2011

Browse more like this

44m

Treasure Of Lima - Buried Exhibition on Cocos Island

2022•44m

A crew of seven travels 550 kilometers across the Pacific to bury an art exhibition on Cocos Island, known for its legendary pirate treasures.

Treasure Of Lima - Buried Exhibition on Cocos Island

2022

No digital watch option in your country

27m

On the Ice Floe

2026•27m

In Rimouski, Quebec, artist Joseph Kieffer collaborates with local ice fishermen to create unique weather vanes in exchange for their stories.

On the Ice Floe

2026

No digital watch option in your country

31m

Welcome to my Private Island

2026•31m

Private island ownership in Europe presents unique challenges and costs, from environmental protection to maintenance, revealing the realities behind this lifestyle.

Welcome to my Private Island

2026

No digital watch option in your country

42m

Treasure islands in the Pacific - From Hawaii to the Cook Islands (1/2)

2025•42m

More than 20,000 km are covered by a camera team traveling through remote Pacific islands, including Hawaii and the Cook Islands, with a population of 1.5 million.

Treasure islands in the Pacific - From Hawaii to the Cook Islands (1/2)

2025

No digital watch option in your country

44m

The Genius Construction Of Ancient Rome's Colosseum

2022•44m

A budget of 25 million Euros is allocated for the restoration and preservation of the Colosseum's facade and interior.

The Genius Construction Of Ancient Rome's Colosseum

2022

No digital watch option in your country

44m

Magic Tricks Gone Deadly! - When Magic Goes Horribly Wrong - Documentary

2024•44m

A 45-year-old escapologist named Michael Anthony Mooney, known as the Great Mudini, nearly drowned during a dangerous stunt involving handcuffs and a water tank.

Magic Tricks Gone Deadly! - When Magic Goes Horribly Wrong - Documentary

2024

No digital watch option in your country

24m

From Chris to Christo

1985•24m•★7.0TMDB

In the fall of 1985, Christo veiled the Pont Neuf, transforming public perception of the landmark in just one week.

From Chris to Christo

1985

1h15m

C'est de l'art

1993•1h15m•★10.0TMDB

Contemporary artists share their insights on significant works of art history, exploring the evolving nature of visual expression and the act of seeing.

C'est de l'art

1993

27m

Remembering Surrounded Islands

2019•27m

6.5 million square feet of bubble gum pink plastic wrapped eleven small islands in Biscayne Bay for a temporary art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Remembering Surrounded Islands

2019

58m

Art City 1 Making It in Manhattan

1996•58m•★8.0TMDB

Fifteen prominent artists, including Louise Bourgeois and Chuck Close, discuss their inspirations and the meaning of success in New York's contemporary art scene.

Art City 1 Making It in Manhattan

1996

1h30m

Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

2005•1h30m•★9.0TMDB

A recording session at Abbey Road Studios in London features Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn performing classical works by renowned composers.

Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

2005