Wenders and Zumthor Unveil 14-Year Architectural Portrait at Venice
Wim Wenders and Peter Zumthor discuss their 14-year collaboration, 'From Inside Out', at the Venice Film Festival.
At the Venice Film Festival, director Wim Wenders and Swiss architect Peter Zumthor presented 'From Inside Out', a documentary 14 years in the making. The film, screening out of competition, examines Zumthor's architectural philosophy and the emotional relationship people form with his structures.
Wenders described the extended timeline as a creative advantage, allowing him to work on other projects—including four other films—while periodically returning to observe Zumthor's evolving work. He likened the filmmaking process to construction, emphasizing the need to rethink and reshape during the build.
Zumthor used the platform to champion the enduring value of his craft. "The profession of architecture as an art of building still exists and it's still possible, god damn it," he said, expressing hope that his work inspires both young and old.
On the topic of artificial intelligence, Zumthor noted its utility for technical problem-solving and efficiency, but dismissed the notion of it being truly intelligent. Wenders echoed this sentiment by quoting musician Nick Cave: "AI can't suffer." He argued that true creation stems from lived experience, something AI cannot replicate.
The Venice Film Festival continues until September 12.