A Vancouver-based independent documentary that showcases West Coast modernist architecture will be screening in the Harbour City this coming weekend.
The film, titled Coast Modern, will be playing at Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre on Saturday (Sept. 20).
Coast Modern was created by directors Mike Bernard and Gavin Froome and focuses on the pioneers of West Coast Modernist Architecture and designs that ultimately became some of their best works.
“It is a beautifully shot documentary,” said event organizer Stephanie Watkins, “We are really excited that they [Mike Bernard and Gavin Froome] are coming over to Nanaimo.”
The documentary premiered a year ago on the Knowledge Network and has since been screening at locations throughout North America.
Coast Modern features interviews with a number of respected artists, designers and architects including Douglas Coupland.
“He [Coupland] is really supportive of this type of architecture,” Watkins said.
Watkins, who is an interior designer herself and the former producer and host of the television show Island Homes, said Nanaimo has some excellent examples of West Coast modern style houses.
“The Beach Estates and Departure Bay areas have many houses in this style,” she said. “So I think the film is relevant to our community.”
Watkins explained that anyone who is into design will appreciate the film.
“They are going to love it,” she said. “They are going to get some history on residential modern architecture on the West Coast.”
Even those who aren’t architectural enthusiasts will enjoy the documentary, she said.
“It celebrates, not just the architecture, but it celebrates nature on the West Coast, Watkins said.
Coast Modern screens at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each.
There will a question period with Bernard at the end of the event.
For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/CoastModernVIU.
arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod