Kaunas International Film Festival

The viewers of Kaunas International Film Festival 2011 selected their favourite film –“How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?” by two Spanish directors Norbert López Amado and Carlos Carcaso. In second place was Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki film “Le Havre” followed by the Italian work “Ten winters” in the third place. The public also noted and enjoyed the award winning “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi from Iran (Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival) and “A Tree of Life” by Terence Malick (Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival).

Film “How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?“ follows the success story of Norman Foster, one of best architects in the world. The film once again proves that cinema is a great possibility to travel and see the praised architectural pieces, to compare and explore the importance of architecture in one’s life. This particular film not only draws attention to the architectural masterpieces but also gives voice to the attentive and socially aware creator.

Foster’s designed buildings are icons of the city life all around the world and the film by the Spanish directors Norbert López Amado and Carlos Carcaso introduces the vivid personality behind all that work. Foster embodies the responsible artists’ view of his profession, the importance of architecture in society and the scenery of the cities. “How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?” unfolds the innovative world of artists’ creations, which combines the advanced computer technology and the breathtaking models of futuristic design.

The film also reveals how the experiences and dreams of Norman Foster (studies at the Yale architecture and art school and the acquaintance with Richard Buckminster Fuller) influenced his most famous projects such as the Beijing capital international airport, Reichstag in Berlin and “Hearst” building in New York. According to the famous architect in the nearby future the population of earth will abandon villages and towns and move to the cities. “How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?” records how the stunning architectural decisions, which help to solve the problems of the future, are being made.

Previously, How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster? was awarded the TCM Public Award at the San Sebastian film festival 2010 as the Best European film and won the title of the Best foreign documentary in Belgium at the Docville international documentary festival The film can now add the Silver Audience Award 2011 at Kaunas International Film Festival to the long list of awards.