What is MINUTES?
MINUTES is a series of short films directed by talented international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects designed by KAAN Architecten.
Rooted in the essential belief that every building tells a story, MINUTES was first floated as a concept in 2017, when KAAN Architecten started exploring the dialogue between architecture and cinema. Four years later, MINUTES evolved into a fully-fledged cinematic oeuvre consisting of 12 short films, each less than ten minutes long.
Within the framework of this unique exploratory initiative, commissioned filmmakers were given creative freedom to realise their vision of KAAN Architecten projects. Using narrative, reference and symbolism, each film takes a different approach in portraying how architecture interacts with the world.
Why are there so few films about architecture?
“Film and architecture have an almost uncanny bond with each other”, claims Brendan Cormier, senior curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, noting that “it is somewhat surprising that until now, films that focus exclusively on the representation of architecture remain a relatively niche pursuit.”
In his essay ‘Why are there so few films about architecture?’ Cormier marks MINUTES as a milestone on a joint historical timeline of architecture and cinema. He writes:
“By commissioning these films, KAAN Architecten is doing a wonderful service for architecture culture in general. It gives space for new experiments with the portrayal of architecture on film while showing valuable ways to enrich our documentation of architecture for future generations to experience.”