Experience architecture. Live architecture. Understand architecture. At the cinema. Architecture is exterior space. Architecture is interior space. Architecture is consciously designed space. What is architecture? Architecture is genius. Architecture is research. Architecture is teamwork.
The construction industry is one of the biggest climate killers worldwide. Around 40% of CO2 emissions are caused by the production of energy-intensive materials such as cement, but also by the operation of buildings. In recent years, the industry has undergone an intensive rethink.
Solutions lie in the circular economy, the reuse of materials, and the development of new building materials. In addition, many architects are calling for simpler construction than before and for an end to expensive and energy-intensive new buildings in favor of using what we already have. Building within existing structures is considered the supreme discipline of the future.
This year, the Wuerzburg International Film Festival is dedicating a special series to construction and architecture at just the right time: How do we want to live and reside? A Neapolitan duo transforms discarded shipping containers into fascinating, high-quality living spaces (“We Start with the Things We Find”). The question is: What kind of architecture do we want? “Beyond Eternity” ventures an exploration of architecture in the context of climate change, resource scarcity, circular strategies, real estate speculation, and refugee crises. What would buildings tell us if they could talk (“Cathedrals of Culture”)? One thing is clear: The built environment shapes us. A woman and a man walk through a city and let architecture inspire their conversations about their lives (“Columbus”). Buildings are a reflection of our ways of life and our societies. What opportunities does self-managed living offer (“The stuff dreams are made of”)? Architecture is imagination. Architecture is the future. Architecture is reality.
Films in the program
Columbus (USA, 2017)
We Start with the Things We Find (USA, 2023)
Beyond Eternity (Austria, 2024)
Das Retirée or the last house of my father (Belgium | Netherlands, 2022)
Cathedrals of Culture (Germany, 2014)
Der Stoff, aus dem Träume sind (Austria, 2019)
From Earth to Sky (Canada, 2021)
Radio feature: Cinema for listening
Die Magie des Realen: Der Schweizer Architekt Peter Zumthor (Germany, 2026)
Photo exhibition accompanying the architecture film series
Alles…Fassade I Mensch…Architektur I Er…bauliches (Germany, 2026)