Newport Beach Film Festival - Windshield: A Vanished Vision
In the mid-1930s an idealistic patron of architecture boldly embraces modernism and sets out to change society by commissioning Richard Neutra’s first building on the East Coast.
Interview with Director, Producer, Editor Elissa Brown
Watch Windshield: A Vanished Vision here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! Having previously worked on contemporary documentaries about social issues I was reluctant to dive into an archival piece, but this particular film felt like it was my story to tell. I’ve always been interested in architecture, and the opportunity to combine that passion with film and a compelling family story was too much to pass up.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It’s really a very human story. Anyone interested in design or the creative process will be fascinated by the collaboration between client and architect, but even without that element the characters themselves are fascinating and go through a number of emotional ups and downs. It’s also a very unusual look at life in the 1930s, which for the voyeuristic among us is a fun treat.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film is incredibly personal as it is about my family, so of course on one level I’m discovering who they were and what made them tick. At the same time, though, the themes about creativity and figuring out one’s role in the world are absolutely universal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Producer Joanna Datillo was actually the one to conceive of the film and she worked on it for many years before I ultimately took it over. It went from a matter-of-fact history of architecture story to a far more personal piece. There are plenty of documentaries that talk about Richard Neutra’s work but what makes this specific telling unique are my grandfather’s extensive footage and my father’s personal recollections.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Audiences have been wonderfully enthusiastic! I felt very vulnerable in revealing such a personal story but I have been delighted by the responses. It really resonates in architectural communities – one of the highlights so far was a screening at Modernism Week in Palm Springs – but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that even those without any background in modernism are moved by the story. I am also very grateful to my cousin, Chad Fischer, for composing an incredibly moving original score, which really carries the viewer through the journey.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has given me confidence. I never expected to edit the film myself so knowing that I can tell a cohesive story that even strangers can relate to was a lovely boost.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
There are SO many wonderful films out there these days and it’s really hard to break through, (especially when one has a lot to learn about self-promotion!), so I am thrilled to have a platform from which to tell people more about this film and grow the film’s base.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Everyone! Journalists to review the film and spread the word, film festival directors to continue to program and champion the film, and then of course an eager buyer or distributor would be wonderful.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
At the very least I’d like to make sure it is well known within the architecture community. There are so many interesting nuggets in there from a designer’s point of view, and given the renewed interest in Neutra I think people will really enjoy learning about an early work that they aren’t able to explore in person anymore. While it’s not shedding light on an important world issue, sometimes it’s nice to get transported to another time, place and way of life, especially with a documentary.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“What makes for a successful collaboration?” “In your opinion, does the house work?”
Would you like to add anything else?
Check out the film's website to learn more about it: www.windshieldmovie.com
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am a two weeks from my due date, so that’s the immediate project on the horizon. From a filmmaking perspective, I’ve got a few ideas for feature docs that I’m kicking around and I look forward to exploring those in greater depth soon, stay tuned!
Interview: April 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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Windshield: A Vanished Vision
In the mid-1930s an idealistic patron of architecture boldly embraces modernism and sets out to change society by commissioning Richard Neutra’s first building on the East Coast.
Length: 46 minutes
Director: Elissa Brown
Producer: Elissa Brown, Joanna Datillo
About the writer, director and producer:
This is Elissa Brown’s (director, producer, editor) first feature film. Previous work includes By The People (associate producer) and Vessel (co-producer). She lives in Montana.
Joanna Datillo (producer) has decades of experience working with the arts and has a deep passion for modern architecture. She lives in Boston.
Key cast: Richard Neutra, John Nicholas Brown, J. Carter Brown, Thomas Hines, Dietrich Neumann, Thomas Michie
Social media handles:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/windshieldmovie
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, and anyone who can help get the word out!
Funders: Linda and Vincent Buonanno, Geoffrey Chalmers, Felicia Fund, Kaye and Robert Herman, Hope Foundation, Barbara Kane, Linda Lago Kass, J. Geddes Parsons, Ocatavia Randolph and Jonathan Gilman, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Abby and Donald Rosenfeld
Made in association with:
Where can I see it in the next month?:
Newport Beach Film Festival (April 22nd): https://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/event/windshield-a-vanished-vision/
A+DFF Winnipeg (May 7th): http://adff.ca/films/2017/
Copenhagen Architecture Festival (May 2nd in Aarhus): http://cafx.dk/events/windshield/ and May 6th in Copenhagen: http://cafx.dk/events/windshield-europa-premiere/
Architecture and Design Film Festival, Tulsa (April 21st and 23rd): http://adfilmfest.com/site/films_tulsa2017/7901
AIA Conference in Orlando (April 27th): http://conferenceonarchitecture.com/schedule/#poster-263117
They are also all listed on the upcoming screening section of the film’s website: http://windshieldmovie.com/watch