Documentary, History
Southern California’s Coachella Valley, including the communities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, boasts hundreds of extraordinary midcentury modern homes, public buildings and commercial structures. Modern designers such as William F. Cody, Albert Frey, William Krisel, John Lautner, Richard Neutra, R.M. Schindler, Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams left their collective mark on this desert paradise. Desert Utopia: Mid-Century Architecture in Palm Springs traces the history of modern architecture in Palm Springs from the first bold forays into modernist design to the preservation challenges facing the region today. Director Jake Gorst’s film features rare archival images and footage as well as interviews with historians, homeowners and the architects who helped create this mecca of modernism.
MOVIE COMMENTS
SIMILAR MOVIES
Ed Wood
Ip Man 4: The Finale
LA 92
Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992
The Builders of the Alhambra
Four Shorts on Architecture
The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America
Untitled KROQ Documentary
Nel silenzio del parco
Empire City
The Center Of The Universe
Big Time
One Six Right
Cathedrals
Isamu Noguchi: Stones and Paper
Ralph Erskine
Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game
Bardejov
Architecton
Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film
SIMILAR MOVIES
Ed Wood
IMDB 7.5 | Sep , 1994
The mostly true story of the legendary "worst director of all time", who, with the help of his strange friends, filmed countless B-movies without ever becoming famous or successful.Ip Man 4: The Finale
IMDB 7.3 | Dec , 2019
Following the death of his wife, Ip Man travels to San Francisco to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.LA 92
IMDB 7.7 | Apr , 2017
Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92 immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage.Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992
IMDB 7.7 | Apr , 2017
An in-depth look at the culture of Los Angeles in the ten years leading up to the 1992 uprising that erupted after the verdict of police officers cleared of beating Rodney King.The Builders of the Alhambra
IMDB 7 | Nov , 2022
Kingdom of Granada, al-Andalus, 14th century. After recognizing that his land, always under siege, is hopelessly doomed to be conquered, Sultan Yusuf I undertakes the construction of a magnificent fortress with the purpose of turning it into the landmark of his civilization and his history, a glorious monument that will survive the oblivion of the coming centuries: the Alhambra.Four Shorts on Architecture
IMDB 0 | Oct , 1975
A visual essay on contemporary Kiwi architecture.The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America
IMDB 0 | Aug , 2006
The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America chronicles for the first time the complete story of this great American symbol… from Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and St. Louis’ role in westward expansion; to the eventual construction of the largest stainless steel structure in history.Untitled KROQ Documentary
IMDB 0 | Nov , 2025
The history and enduring legacy of one of the world's biggest and most influential radio stations.Nel silenzio del parco
IMDB 0 | Sep , 2025
Empire City
IMDB 9 | Jul , 1985
A film essay contrasting the modern metropolis with its "golden age" from 1830-1930, with the participation of some of New York's leading political and cultural figures. Made at a time when the city was experiencing unprecedented real estate development on the one hand and unforeseen displacement of population and deterioration on the other. Empire City is the story of two New Yorks. The film explores the precarious coexistence of the service-based midtown Manhattan corporate headquarters with the peripheral New York of undereducated minorities living in increasing alienation.The Center Of The Universe
IMDB 10 | Jan , 2004
The Center Of The Universe chronicles four days in the life of German climber Alexander Huber in Yosemite Valley, California. Living the typical Yosemite vagabond lifestyle, Alex reflects on his goal of successfully free-climbing "El Corazon" (35 pitches, 8a) on the famous El Capitan face, which is a combination of the historic routes "Salathé," "Albatross," "Son of Heart," and "Heart Route," connected by newly laid out sections. 35 challenging pitches, combining technicality, stamina, and commitment, with difficulty levels up to 8a. The film showcases the unique style of climbing in Yosemite, as well as a piece of history of the famous valley, narrated by Heinz Zak, Jim Bridwell, Lynn Hill, Alexander Huber, and Chongo Chuck themselves.Big Time
IMDB 5.5 | Oct , 2017
Big Time gets up close with Danish architectural prodigy Bjarke Ingels over a period of six years while he is struggling to complete his largest projects yet, the Manhattan skyscraper W57 and Two World Trade Center.One Six Right
IMDB 8.1 | Nov , 2005
An exhilarating documentary film that celebrates the unsung hero of aviation - the local airport - by tracing the life, history, and struggles of an airport icon: Southern California's Van Nuys Airport. Featuring thrilling aerial photography and a sweeping original score, the film dispels common misconceptions and opposes criticism of General Aviation airports.Cathedrals
IMDB 0 | Jul , 2014
The city of Ordos, in the middle of China, was build for a million people yet remains completely empty. Ordos is not so much a place but a symbol of babylonic hype. But nothing will change - as long as people believe.Isamu Noguchi: Stones and Paper
IMDB 0 | Jun , 1997
Isamu Noguchi was a sculptor, designer, architect, and craftsman. Throughout his life he struggled to see, alter, and recreate his natural surroundings. His gardens and fountains were transformations meant to bring out the beauty their locations had always possessed.Ralph Erskine
IMDB 0 | Jul , 1986
The British architect based in Stockholm looks back on major projects of a long career inspired by European Modernism combined with his personal sensitivity to nature and community. Erskine is especially valued for his vital understanding of social interaction, exemplified in commissions for universities and housing complexes built from Scandinavia to Italy. The architect takes the camera on a tour of his buildings while offering revealing comments and interpretations.Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game
IMDB 7 | Mar , 2023
The dramatic comedy is based on the true story of writer and pinball wizard Roger Sharpe, chronicling his journey to overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.Bardejov
IMDB 0 | Jan , 1952
Architecton
IMDB 6 | Oct , 2024
An extraordinary journey through the material that makes up our habitat: concrete and its ancestor, stone. Victor Kossakovsky raises a fundamental question: how do we inhabit the world of tomorrow?Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film
IMDB 8.2 | Sep , 2006
Ric Burns unearths rarely seen footage and offers keen observations on the life and artistic influence of Andy Warhol. [Made for and aired on PBS's American Masters series.]