AmDocs Film Festival - Neutra In Roatan (Short Film)
Father and son, Dion and Nick Neutra, embark on a journey to build the 10th island project of the Neutra Practice: Nick’s own home and studio complex on the Honduran island of Roatan. A renowned architect, a sound recording engineer, and a tropical paradise: the ultimate challenge of building a modern masterpiece on a beautiful Caribbean island.
Interview with Director & Producer Tavo Olmos & John Kiffe
Watch Neutra In Roatan here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My lifelong friendship with Nick Neutra provided the inspiration for this film. Of our many cherished childhood memories, it was our visits to the Neutra Research House that stand out. Though Richard had recently passed, the matriarch, Dione Neutra entertained by singing and accompanying herself on cello. A magical experience that set in motion a love for art and eventually a career photographing historic architecture.
Also, my work photographing historic architecture made the subject matter a natural. This is our first independent film project. Special thanks to co-producer and director of photography, John Kiffe, and François Maurin for his exceptional editing.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The Neutra legacy in architecture is renowned worldwide. This film shares the inside story featuring the most recent project on the Honduran island of Roatan, as told through the personal accounts of father-son team, Dion and Nick Neutra.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Our goal is to present the challenges and rewards of the creative process as experienced by three generations of father-son relationships.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Our short film was conceived as a trailer to promote the goal of producing a feature-length documentary. Though the Roatan project is the central focus, the storyline has evolved to feature the 9 other island projects of the Neutra practice.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
To keep the story engaging, personal and true to the process.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Always interested and encouraged to hear diverse perspectives.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure at this early stage is crucial to the success of our goal to continue work on production of the feature film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any and all industry principals who share an interest in advancing the scope of the project. In addition, Dion Neutra is concurrently producing a book "The Island Projects of the Neutra Practice".
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To engage and inspire!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The Neutra legacy is well known, however, the island projects have received relatively little attention. What are some of the challenges that the architects had to face in these unique environments? Have other architects of the Modernism movement designed island projects, and if so, how might their experiences relate?
Would you like to add anything else?
The Neutra practice has dealt with challenges both personally and professionally.
Their struggles and rewards are universal to the creative process. The current collaboration between Nick and Dion reflect, in part, the dynamic that existed between Dion and his father and mentor, Richard Neutra.
Our feature-length documentary will explore those dynamics through personal accounts from the principals and their extended families. The island projects of the Neutra practice will provide the backdrop from which the narrative will unfold.
Interview: March 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Neutra In Roatan (Short Film)
Father and son, Dion and Nick Neutra, embark on a journey to build the 10th island project of the Neutra Practice: Nick’s own home and studio complex on the Honduran island of Roatan. A renowned architect, a sound recording engineer, and a tropical paradise: the ultimate challenge of building a modern masterpiece on a beautiful Caribbean island.
Length: 8 Min.
Director & Producer: Tavo Olmos & John Kiffe
About the director/producers:
Tavo Olmos, producer/photographer
A freelance photographer since 1982, Tavo specializes in HABS/HAER documentation of historic structures. He grew up in South Pasadena, CA where he met Nick Neutra in elementary school.
John Kiffe, director of photography
John brings over 25 years of experience to the Roatan project. Currently, he is lead photographer at the Getty Research Institute where he directs photography of rare objects and video productions.
Key cast: Dion & Nick Neutra
Looking for: executive producers, distributors and film festival directors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeutrainRoatan/
Where can I see it in the next month? AmDocs, April 4, 2017
More info: