Joy Will Prevail

Estonian-born Louis Kahn became one of the most influential architects of the 20th century – a boy from Saaremaa turned into a world-renowned cultural figure, whose monumental body of work transformed architecture. Yet alongside his public success, he led a complicated private life, torn between three women and their children.

In 1971, at the height of his career, Kahn was approached by Steve Korman, a young family man from Philadelphia, who wanted a country home for his family. Kahn initially refused, but eventually agreed, and what followed was a three-year collaboration in which architecture, family and questions of home and creativity became intertwined. The result is the Korman House – the last building designed by Kahn, which was completed shortly before his unexpected death.

Max Korman’s debut film offers a glimpse into the life and work of the world-renowned architect through a deeply personal story: the Korman House was commissioned by the director’s grandfather. Thus, the story of the creation of Kahn’s final house becomes both a family saga and a portrait of a man from an Estonian island, whose legacy extends far beyond his birthplace.

Triin Tramberg, PÖFF