Before he achieved worldwide fame as an actor, Sam Neill directed this documentary for the National Film Unit. It 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.
innovation, ian athfield, design, seventies architecture, nfu, new zealand national film unit, competitions, architect
NZ ON SCREEN 2009
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