Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation

One of the most iconic structures ever built, Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia is a unique and fascinating architectural project conceived by controversial genius Antoni Gaudi in the late 19th century. More than 125 years after construction began, the basilica still remains unfinished. Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation celebrates Gaudi's vision and the continuing work of architects as they strive to complete the colossal project while delving into the process of artistic creation in a historical context.

La Sagrada Familia was commissioned by the Order of St Joseph in 1882. After conflicts arose between the Order and the original architect, 31 year old Antoni Gaudi was hired to complete the design. A devout Catholic and architectural prodigy, Gaudi envisioned a place of worship that combined elements of classic French Gothic style and the curvilinear, organic aspects of the budding Art Nouveau school.

Despite decades of delays, thousands of artisans, laborers, and designers have contributed to the ambitious and glorious landmark. Inspired by Gaudi's vision, the film explores our fundamentally human search for the meaning of existence, and the quest for creative expression.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Catalonian metropolis, the documentary investigates the structural developments of the Sagrada Familia while allowing the audience time to observe, perceive, and reflect upon the historical, artistic and personal significance of the basilica.

Running Time

95 mins

Year

2012

Kanopy ID

1137629

Filmmakers

Stefan Haupt

Languages

Catalan, English, French, German, Spanish

Subjects

The Arts > Architecture

The Arts > Design

Global Studies & Languages > European/Baltic Studies

Documentaries > Art & Artists

Documentaries

Watch now

Comments (1)

Aleksandar

Tufts University•6 days ago

A fascinating documentary on the work of a genius.

Janus Films (The Criterion Collection)

Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926) designed some of the world's most astonishing buildings, interiors, and parks; Japanese director Hiroshi Teshigahara constructed some of the most aesthetically audacious films ever made. Here their artistry melds in a unique, enthralling cinematic experience. Less a documentary than a visual poem, Teshigahara's ANTONIO GAUDI…

Tim Cone

The National Building Museum exhibition entitled "Hot to Cold" of architectural models by BIG, the firm founded by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, inspires thoughts about how forces like global warming, the competition for residents between cities and suburbs, and a more design literate public, are giving architects more prominence. This…

First Run Features

Love, death and architecture could easily be the mantra of the Bohm family. Highly regarded as Germany's preeminent architect, Gottfried Bohm is the patriarch of a modern architecture dynasty that also includes his three sons: Stephan, Peter and Paul. After the death of Elisabeth Bohm, a loyal wife, mother and…

Part of the Series: Great Estates of Scotland

For more than 500 years, Inveraray Castle has housed the chieftain of one of the world's best-known family clans, the Clan Campbell. It is now the home to the 13th Duke of Argyll, His Grace Torquhil Ian Campbell, and his young family. Visited by thousands every year, the castle was…

Part of the Series: Great Estates of Scotland

Tour the interior of the fabulous Dumfries House, an architectural gem that boasts one of the largest collections of Chippendale furniture in the world. This once-neglected mansion was dramatically brought back to life and saved for the nation by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Part of the Series: Great Estates of Scotland

The 70-room Kincardine Castle is home to only two people, Andrew and Nicky Bradford. In a little over a century, the castle and its surrounding 3,000-acre estate have gone from being a trifling extravagance for its fabulously rich owners to presenting a passionate but ongoing struggle to keep it afloat…

Part of the Series: Great Estates of Scotland

Uncover myths and legends of mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, where part of The Di Vinci Code was filmed. Many believe it to be home to the Holy Grail, the skull of St. Matthew or John the Baptist or even of Jesus Christ. The program seeks answers and makes breathtaking discoveries.

Oy Bad Taste LTD

The wooden cabin situated in the hillside of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in the French Riviera was to serve as a model for minimal living. However, when architect and painter Le Corbusier sketched his Thoreau-like hut in December 1951, he did so in 45 minutes as a birthday present for his wife Yvonne.…

First Run Features

In his new documentary, photographer Don Freeman explores the homes designed and lived in by notable American artists, revealing the inventiveness derived from the dialogue between each artist's practice and the construction of their handmade homes. Ranging from the romantic (Hudson River School painter Frederic Church's Olana, framing views of…

First Run Features

In 1959, a government employee named Richard Oyler, living in the tiny desert town of Lone Pine, California, asked world-famous modern architect Richard Neutra to design his modest family home. To Oyler's surprise, Neutra agreed. Thus began an unlikely friendship that led to the design and construction of an iconic…

First Run Features

The rebuilding of Ground Zero is the most architecturally, politically, and emotionally complex construction project in recent American history. The struggle to develop these 16 acres of 'sacred' land has encompassed 12 years, 19 government agencies, and over $20 billion. Aside from the engineering challenges, various constituencies - politicians, developers,…

First Run Features

Two of the world's most influential designers, Lella and Massimo Vignelli's work covers such a broad spectrum that one could say they are known by everyone, even by those who don't know their names. Adhering to self-proclaimed motto, "If you can't find it, design it," their achievements in industrial and…

Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation

First Run Features

First Run Features

Comments (1)

Related videos

PARENTAL CONTROLS

Your parental controls are ON. Please enter your pin.