TORONTO – It’s the largest film festival devoted to architecture & design and it promises exciting lineup of 19 films, panel discussions and more: we are talking about The Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) that returns to Toronto, at the TIFF Lightbox, November 1-4, delivering a captivating cinematic experience that celebrates the world of architecture and design. 

With an impressive line-up of films and programming, ADFF – founded in 2009 by architect Kyle Bergman – invites audiences to explore the vibrant landscape of architecture and design, where visionary concepts, sustainable solutions, cultural narratives, and personal journeys converge. 

According to ADFF Founder and Director Kyle Bergman, AIA, “When programming the festival, our goal is simply to present the best films possible. This year, some themes emerged during the selection process. These include: the impacts of climate change, a spotlight on architecture in Asia, women’s perspective in architecture, and a universal desire to understand one’s parent and by process, one’s own life.”

The opening night, on November 1, will feature the Canadian premiere of “Modernism Inc.”: this compelling documentary delves into the legacy of Architect Eliot Noyes who not only made a lasting impact on architecture, but also began the trend of shaping the design ethos of major corporations, including IBM and Mobil, precluding design-driven brands such as Apple and Google. A party will follow the film – see website for more information.

“ADFF:TORONTO” will culminate with the Canadian premiere of We Start With The Things We Find – a profound exploration of the work of Ada Tolla and Giuseppe Lignano, architects and founders of the visionary firm, LOT-EK. This closing film offers an intimate glimpse into  LOT-EK’s drive to repurpose shipping containers and other industrial artifacts into places of unexpected beauty (in the pic above, a shot from the set).

Some highlights from the festival include commemoration of the 20th anniversary of My Architect, now beautifully remastered, and screening on November 4. Attendees will not want to miss the Canadian premiere of REHAB (from rehab) – a film that examines the integral role design plays in fostering spaces of well-being and recovery – as well as that of The Power of Utopia- Living with Le Corbusier in Chandigarh.

The latter film uncovers the creation of Chandigarh by Le Corbusier through the lives of its residents and their connection to a visionary utopia of modernity. The Festival will also showcase Clodagh – a namesake documentary that chronicles the life and career of the design
icon, tracing her bold choices of defying societal norms. The icon herself will be present post-screening for an engaging Q&A.

In Toronto, several films will be followed by thought-provoking panel discussions with high-profile speakers and special guests organized in collaboration with the Toronto Society of Architects. See listings for more details.

The complete Festival program, including speaker line-up and dates for ticket sales is available online at adfilmfest.com.

Following Toronto, the Festival will continue with “ADFF:Vancouver” November 9-12, 2023, and “ADFF:Chicago” January 31-February 4, 2024.

For regular updates on all ADFF announcements, programming, and news about upcoming Festivals, follow @ADFILMFEST on its social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).