On the eve of his 90th birthday, Kiev architect Florian Yuriev is facing a daunting challenge. His architectural masterpiece, an avant-garde concert hall in the shape of a flying saucer, is under threat from a developer with links to Donald Trump. This developer wants to turn the building into part of a shopping mall. In a bold move, Yuriev fights the project with the help of other architects and young supporters. They spark a media storm and the result is a momentary victory. The developer promises renovations that match Yuriev's vision - a promise that turns out to be empty. Directed by Oleksiy Radynski, this documentary weaves together the narrative of Yuriev's fight to preserve his legacy against the backdrop of capitalist expansion. It delves into themes of creativity, resilience, and the clash between artistic integrity and commercial interests. Inspired by the philosophies of Jean Luc Nancy, the film juxtaposes the immortality of art against the transient nature of human endeavors, setting Yuriev’s struggle within a broader discourse on the preservation of cultural heritage. Radynski's portrayal is not just a testament to Yuriev's architectural genius but also an exploration of the impact of modernism and the role of art in public spaces. Garnering critical acclaim for its insightful exploration and compelling storytelling, the film stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battles for cultural preservation in the face of relentless urban development. Through its detailed chronicle of Yuriev's campaign and the broader implications of his fight, the documentary underscores the value of art and architecture in maintaining the unique identity of urban landscapes.
Before the war, one of Kyiv's hottest subject was one of Trump’s cronies turning a masterpiece concert hall into a shopping mall.
On the eve of his 90th birthday, Kiev architect Florian Yuriev is facing a daunting challenge. His architectural masterpiece, an avant-garde concert hall in the shape of a flying saucer, is under threat from a developer with links to Donald Trump. This developer wants to turn the building into part of a shopping mall. In a bold move, Yuriev fights the project with the help of other architects and young supporters. They spark a media storm and the result is a momentary victory. The developer promises renovations that match Yuriev's vision - a promise that turns out to be empty.
Directed by Oleksiy Radynski, this documentary weaves together the narrative of Yuriev's fight to preserve his legacy against the backdrop of capitalist expansion. It delves into themes of creativity, resilience, and the clash between artistic integrity and commercial interests. Inspired by the philosophies of Jean Luc Nancy, the film juxtaposes the immortality of art against the transient nature of human endeavors, setting Yuriev’s struggle within a broader discourse on the preservation of cultural heritage.
Radynski's portrayal is not just a testament to Yuriev's architectural genius but also an exploration of the impact of modernism and the role of art in public spaces. Garnering critical acclaim for its insightful exploration and compelling storytelling, the film stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battles for cultural preservation in the face of relentless urban development. Through its detailed chronicle of Yuriev's campaign and the broader implications of his fight, the documentary underscores the value of art and architecture in maintaining the unique identity of urban landscapes.