New England Modernism: Revolutionary Architecture in the 20th Century
Documentary Project
New England Modernism: Revolutionary Architecture in the 20th Century is feature-length documentary currently being prepared for release to art house theaters in the United States and abroad, and to Amazon Prime in 2023.
The United States saw a revolution in popular architectural
style between the 1930s and 1970s. American Modernism was originally influenced by the work of European masters including Le Corbusier and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. It began
to establish footing in New England in early 1930-32. Early modern structures included the Field House in New Hartford, Connecticut, by William Lescaze, and the Ralph-Barbarin House in Stamford, designed by Le Corbusier protégé Albert Frey.
By the 1940s, the region was a hotbed of modernism. A group
of architects — Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson, and Eliot Noyes — had settled in New Canaan, Connecticut. Known as the “Harvard Five,” they attracted other modern architects who designed notable Mid-Century modern structures in New England. They included Victor Christ-Janer, Andrew Geller, Alan Goldberg, Carl Koch, John Black Lee, Hugh Smallen ,and Edward Durell Stone. The work produced by these revolutionaries has had lasting international influence.
The story of New England Modernism is one of imagination, creativity and industriousness.
A review of the history of Modern architecture in New England, 1930-1975
Demonstrates the continuing influence of these Modern structures on contemporary architectural design
Interviewees include: Darren Bradley, David N. Fixer, Paul Goldberger, Robert Gregson, George Smart, Hicks Stone, Peter Swanson, and Louisa Whitmore
Production completion anticipated Q3 2022
Planned art house movie theater run
Will stream on Amazon Prime
International screenings at festivals, museums, and libraries
Remaining funding needed: $500k