Register HERE to attend
September 27th, 06:00pm - 11:35pm
Two incredible films about connecting and architecture.
ASTEROID CITY (2023) 6.30p start
Get ready to embark on a cinematic journey like no other during Ottawa Architecture Week! This year, we are thrilled to present two iconic films that delve into the captivating realms of architecture and design: "Asteroid City" directed by Wes Anderson and "Blade Runner 2049" directed by Denis Villeneuve. These films will be screened for free, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the enchanting worlds they offer.
Asteroid City is a 2023 American comedy-drama film written, directed, and produced by Wes Anderson, from a story he wrote with Roman Coppola. It features an ensemble cast including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Steve Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan and Jeff Goldblum. Its metatextual plot simultaneously depicts the events of a Junior Stargazer convention in a retrofuturistic version of 1955, staged as a play, and the creation of the play. It is Anderson's homage to popular memory and mythology about extraterrestrials and UFOs witnessed in the Southwestern desert in close proximity to atomic test sites during the postwar period of the American 20th century.
Why this film?
Asteroid City offers a fascinating perspective on the theme of 'play' within the context of architecture. The film's asteroid-based cityscape is a playground of architectural creativity, where innovative designs and structures blend seamlessly with the natural contours of the asteroid. The interaction between residents and their built environment is akin to a continuous game of discovery, problem-solving, and adaptation, as they navigate the challenges of living in space. The movie not only showcases imaginative architectural solutions but also highlights the joy and excitement that can arise from reimagining and 'playing' with conventional notions of urban design, encouraging viewers to see architecture as a source of limitless playfulness and inspiration. It provides a captivating lens through which festival attendees can explore the intersection of architecture, innovation, and the sheer joy of playful design.
BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017) 9.00p start
In contrast, Denis Villeneuve's "Blade Runner 2049" transports us to a dystopian future where colossal, neon-lit megastructures define the skyline. This visionary masterpiece captures the essence of architecture as a reflection of societal aspirations and challenges, illustrating how architecture shapes our identities and environments. Villeneuve's hauntingly beautiful visuals are a testament to the powerful role architecture plays in depicting a world in transition.
Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 American epic neo-noir science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. A sequel to the 1982 film Blade Runner, the film stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, with Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista, and Jared Leto in supporting roles. Ford and Edward James Olmos reprise their roles from the original film. Gosling plays K, a Nexus-9 replicant "blade runner" who uncovers a secret that threatens to destabilize society and the course of civilization.
Why this film?
Blade Runner 2049 offers a compelling exploration of the theme of 'play' in an architectural context, albeit in a dystopian future. The film's breathtaking visuals and meticulously crafted urban landscapes serve as a backdrop for the complex relationship between humans and their built environments. Within this futuristic world, architecture becomes a canvas for both playfulness and manipulation, as characters engage in a high-stakes game of power and identity. The juxtaposition of intricate, futuristic cityscapes with the decay of the natural world prompts thought-provoking discussions about the consequences of unchecked urbanization and the way architecture can be a tool for societal control or personal liberation. It invites festival attendees to consider how architectural choices can shape our lives, urging them to reflect on the balance between 'play' and its darker implications in the design of our future cities.
Join us for this unique cinematic experience during Ottawa Architecture Week, where "Asteroid City" and "Blade Runner 2049" will ignite your imagination and spark conversations about the profound impact of architecture on our lives. It's a celebration of design, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of architectural storytelling – all for the public's enjoyment, completely free of charge. Don't miss this extraordinary event that promises to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.