A master of cinema that portrays a master of architecture – this is the magic of ‘Renzo Piano, the Architect of Light‘, the documentary on one of the most famous Italian architect in the world signed by the renowned Spanish director Carlos Saura.
The high-profile documentary was screened for the first time in June at the ‘Biografilm Festival – International Celebration of Lives’ in Bologna, where Saura also taught a masterclass for the Biografilm School. However, from October 14th to October 17th, it will be distributed in many Italian cinemas and the general public will have the opportunity to appreciate the genius and creative process of Piano, one of the greatest living architects, who designed the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome and the New York Times Building in Manhattan.
In the documentary, Piano and Saura discuss the relationship between architecture and cinema and delve into the creative process behind the striking seaside Botin Center for the arts inaugurated last year in Santander, Spain, that is a passion project for the architect. For Piano, “when you grow up with the idea that building is an art, every time you seem to witness a miracle.” And a key element in these miracles is light, “the most important building material, which is also connected to the water.” He explains that it is important to understand that art, be it cinema or architecture, is not a predictable act. It is often a bit like looking in the dark: before understanding what will happen, the eyes need the time to adapt.
Ilona Catani Scarlett