Architecture photographer Jens Weber and portrait photographer Orla Connolly, joined forces with composer Wolfram Oettl, to create a non-narrative documentary film, contemplating architecture.

Seven international architects, Frank Lattke, Staab Architecs, Alen Jasarevic, Christoph Mäckler, Hans Engel, Wilhelm Huber and John Pawson were commissioned by the Siegfried und Elfriede Denzel Foundation, to build seven chapels along the bike trails of the Swabian Danube Valley.

This film is a meticulous visual study of these chapels. An observation of the intrinsic qualities of architecture and how structures elicit reactions from people and nature in the surrounding area. The film’s aesthetic is defined by the precise composition of each frame. The primary focus is on the architecture, allowing passiv observation of intermittent, random interactions between people, nature and the structures. Often observing the complexities of the human thought process and micro events – where people swiftly switch between practical thoughts of trying to understand the structure, to transient existential moments. These moments – banal, subliminal, spiritual and even funny – are enhanced, given gravitas, even appear surreal, through the accompaniment of the minimalistic meditative music.

Wolfram Oettl, composed and plays an orginal score on a fortepiano, that has been especially tuned in what is known as „just intonation“. These integer-number frequencies have been implemented since Pythagoras in Philosophy, theology and music theory, as a portrayal of the cosmic harmony.

The distinct aesthetic of the film with long takes, combined with music, draws the viewer in, evoking a near trance like state, in the spirit of slow cinema.

Screenings

For all screenings and further information check out www.7chapelsfilm.de

Berlin Babylon, Thur 22.02.24, 19:30. Post show discussion with directors, Orla Connolly & Jens Weber, composer Wolfram Oettl and architect Volker Staab.

Landshut Kinoptikum, Tue 06.02., 7pm. Thur 08.02., 6pm. Fri 16.02., 6pm. Wed 21.02., 7pm

Kino Passage, Erlenbach am Main, 19.11.23 / 20.11.23 / 22.11.23 // 17:00

Thalia Kino, Augsburg. 29.10.2023, 11:00 AM

Münchner Stadtmuseum, Munich. 28.09.2023, 7pm

Thalia Kino, Augsburg. 17.09.2023, 11:00 AM

Open Air Kino Wertingen 28.08.2023. 8:30 PM

Open Air Kino Wertingen 31.08.2023. 8:30 PM

Thalia Kino, Augsburg. 30.07.2023, 11:00 AM

Thalia Kino, Augsburg. 17.07.2023, 7 PM

Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland, Palas Cinema 14.07.2023, 5 PM

Asolo Art Film Festival, Italy. 18.06.2023, 7 PM