A New Year at ADFF

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Subject: A New Year at ADFF

January 14, 2026

As 2026 gets underway, we’re excited to share what’s happening at ADFF this winter—from our time in the global south to our festivals in New Canaan and Chicago, plus some special one-night screenings closer to home.

We just wrapped up the second iteration of ADFF:Mumbai, presented with Stir, which was even bigger and more ambitious than last year. Stay tuned for images and an in-depth recap.

Upcoming Festivals

Humanity in Architecture at Grace Farms - January 30-31

At the end of the month, we'll return to the beautiful Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT for a program of films that honor those who design for the benefit of humankind. We've selected films from the ADFF archives that fit this year's theme—We All Build. We'll open the festival on Friday night with Søren Pihlmann: Make Materials Matter, followed by an in-person conversation between Søren Pihlmann and Grace Farms CEO Sharon Prince. Then, on Saturday, we'll screen 10 films throughout the day. Enjoy some program highlights below.

Click here to buy tickets for Humanity in Architecture.

Gateways to New York

2018 / 88 min / Switzerland

Follow the extraordinary career of Swiss structural engineer Othmar H. Ammann, who emigrated to New York in 1904 and transformed the skyline with groundbreaking bridge designs.

Glenn Murcutt: Spirit of Place

2017 / 57 min / Australia

Murcutt’s energy-efficient buildings are models of sustainability and beauty. Now in his 80s, he takes on his most ambitious project yet: designing a mosque for a Muslim community in Melbourne.

The Promise: Architect B.V. Doshi

2023 / 90 min / Germany

Known for his captivating designs and deeply humanist philosophy, Doshi’s legacy extends beyond buildings—it lives in the countless lives he touched through teaching, collaboration, and generosity.

ADFF:Chicago - February 19-22

ADFF returns to Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center with 11 films and speakers flying in from around the country and abroad. Some of our special guests include Lewerentz Divine Darkness director Sven Blum (coming from Stockholm), Changing Lanes director Ben Wolf (coming from New York), Prickly Mountain and My Design Build Life director Allie Rood (coming from Vermont), The Space Architect director Rebecca Carpenter (coming from Los Angeles), and Erik Summerfield who is featured in Building on the Edge (coming from Colorado).

Click here to buy tickets for ADFF:Chicago.

One Night Only: Special Screenings in January

January 28 in Boston

Boston audiences finally have a chance to experience a taste of ADFF. We're excited to screen Prickly Mountain and My Design Build Life at Boston's renowned independent cinema, Coolidge Corner Theater. Stick around after the screening to hear from some truly amazing speakers:

Allie Rood, Prickly Mountain Director
John Ochsendorf, MIT Professor, Engineer, Winner of the Rome Prize, a Fulbright Scholarship, and the MacArthur Award
Emily Norton, Director and Lecturer of Practice at Smith College's Design Thinking Initiative

Click here to buy tickets for Prickly Mountain in Boston.

January 29 in New York

The next day in New York, we're collaborating with our friends at Grohe to present The Harvard 5 at the LIXIL Water Experience Center. After the film, which follows five iconic architects who fueled a modern architecture revolution, we'll hear from director Devon Chivvis. Light fare and beverages will be served.

Click here to RSVP for The Harvard 5 in New York.

Hilary Lewis, Devon Chivvis, and Bruce Becker answering audience questions following a screening of The Harvard 5 at ADFF:NY

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Subject: A New Year at ADFF