The Louisiana Architecture Foundation
proudly presents a film about two 20th century Louisiana architects who were among the first to practice Modern Design in America.
A story of innovation, exploration, & modern architecture, transported to 1930's Shreveport by two ground-breaking architects, who were also brothers.
Samuel G. Wiener and William B. Wiener were Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, brothers, and residents of Shreveport, Louisiana. Following a 1931 voyage of discovery to Europe’s most prestigious design school, the Bauhaus, they became the most innovative and prolific modern architects in the American South and transformed our community in the process.
Presented and Sponsored by:
Louisiana Architecture Foundation
Rational Middle Media
North Louisiana Jewish Federation
Beaird Foundation
Evolve
The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development
**Special thanks to the Wiener Family for all of their support for this project.
Film Backstory:
“Unexpected Modernism” is the result of a long journey that began in late 2016 when former LAF executive director Stacey Pfingsten discovered a book, The Modernist Architecture of Samuel G. and William B. Wiener: Shreveport, Louisiana, 1920-1960, written by Karen Kingsley and Guy W. Carwile (LSU Press). She, and many other Louisianans, had never heard of the Wiener Brothers and their incredible contributions to Louisiana and American architecture. To the LAF Board, Pfingsten suggested having the organization work with professional filmmakers to bring this story to the “big screen.” The LAF Board pledged their support and gave Pfingsten the green light to move forward with the project. Nothing, however, would ever happen without the tremendous support of the North Louisiana Jewish Federation, the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, production company Rational Middle Media, and a host of other donors and supporters.
With the film now a reality, the LAF uses it to carry out the organization’s mission of sharing the world of architecture - and the stories of unsung heroes like the Wiener Brothers -with millions of Louisianans.
Any questions email: info.lafoundation@gmail.com
or call or call 225- 387-5579
Visit www.unexpectedmodernism.com