Story perspectives

“Concrete” Documentary Debuts With $90,000 at IFC Center

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 11:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

John Wilson released his debut documentary “The History of Concrete” in New York theaters.
The film opened at Manhattan’s IFC Center on September 18, 2026, grossing $90,000.
Its $90,000 opening made it the IFC Center’s second-highest-grossing debut, behind “Parasite”.
Pre-sales topped $60,000 and nearly every seat sold during the weekend showings.
Wilson co-founded the 42-seat Low Cinema in Ridgewood, Queens, which sold out its “Concrete” run.

History

Historical Context

In 1885 William LeBaron Jenney completed Chicago’s Home Insurance Building, a ten-story steel-frame structure often called the first skyscraper. Its skeleton design sparked a boom in steel-frame towers, and the building was demolished in 1932 for the Field Building. A recent documentary revisits this legacy, showing renewed interest in early high-rise construction.

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Story summary

John Wilson released his debut documentary “The History of Concrete” in New York theaters.
The film opened at Manhattan’s IFC Center on September 18, 2026, grossing $90,000.
Its $90,000 opening made it the IFC Center’s second-highest-grossing debut, behind “Parasite”.
Pre-sales topped $60,000 and nearly every seat sold during the weekend showings.
Wilson co-founded the 42-seat Low Cinema in Ridgewood, Queens, which sold out its “Concrete” run.

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