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Hero image for Architect Athfield

Architect Athfield

Film (Full Length) – 1977

E
Exempt

Before he achieved worldwide fame as an actor, Sam Neill directed documentary films for the National Film Unit. This film examines the philosophy, early achievements and frustrations of one of New Zealand's most innovative architects, Ian Athfield. Athfield won an international competition in 1975 to design housing for 140,000 squatters in Manila, in the Philippines, yet struggled to gain recognition back home. This film culminates in Athfield's trip to the Philippines to pursue the project. Shooter John Toon later memorably shot feature film Rain.

And so, as a result of frustrations at home and the winning of a competition, Athfield finds himself in Manila. Perhaps here at least, ideas will be realised.
– Narrator Sam Neill, Part Five

Acknowledgements

Funded by the National Film Unit in association with TV One

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