'A History of Concrete' Becomes a Major Documentary Hit for Magnolia as John Wilson's Film Tops $2 Million at the Box Office

A Nihilistic Take on Urban Planning and Architecture Is One of the Year's Best Independent Documentaries

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This is another milestone for the "history of concrete". This groundbreaking documentary about… well, the title says it all, has crossed the $2 million mark 25 days since its release. It's a strong result for a nonfiction film and a testament to the appeal of its director John Wilson, who has built a passionate following thanks to his hit HBO series How With John Wilson.

Magnolia, the independent studio behind the documentary, picked the film up at this year's Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. The gross now stands at $2,042,000. "Concrete History" is currently playing on 172 screens in North America, including 11 screens in Canada. This weekend it will drop some theaters and will be reduced to 125 screens.

The film, which tackles themes of urbanism and architecture with Wilson's nihilistic flair, was a hit at the IFC Center, grossing more than $300,000, becoming one of the highest-grossing independent theater titles.

"Concrete has a history of working in every market we've opened," said Neil Block, Magnolia's president of distribution and marketing. I don't think I've received more emails from exhibitors in the 20 years I've worked at Magnolia, expressing how happy a movie is doing, and asking to book return shows and screenings. It does not play like a documentary. "It doesn't play like a comedy — it kind of charts its own path theatrically, because it's very much its own unique piece of art."

"Concrete History" also earned four Critics' Choice nominations this week, including best documentary and best first documentary. He was also nominated for editing and narration.