Building the Gherkin wins in Montreal
On March 19, the Honorary Award for Best Reportage at the 24th International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) in Montreal went to Building the Gherkin. This documentary feature Mirjam von Arx was produced by Ican Films (Zurich).
The German-Swiss director, who already has three films behind her (Tunnelmenschen, 1996; Shooting Stars, 1997; Abxang, 2003) followed architect Norman Foster through the process of conception, construction and completion of an imposing skyscraper in London. This futuristic work, symbol of the financial power of the proprietor, Swiss Re, has been nicknamed "the erotic cucumber" by the press. Shot over three years (between 2001 and 2004), the film offers a fascinating X-ray of contemporary monumental architecture.
To be screened in New York on a tour of the FIFA prize-winners in October, Building the Gherkin will also be released in Germany in May and presented simultaneously at the Munich Festival of Film on Architecture.
(Translated from French)
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