SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECT
Austrian-born and educated, R.M. Schindler laid the foundation for what now is considered California lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living. This documentary explores his richly complex work, with its influences and illuminates Schindler’s philosophy of Space Architecture as contrasted with the International Style. It reexamines Schindler’s complicated relationship with his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright and his rival Richard Neutra. The film affirms the singular genius of one man, and the eternal challenge every artist faces to stay true to their vision in an effort to leave a lasting impact. Featuring architects Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, Steven Holl, Ray Kappe, Mark Mack, arch. historians Judith Sheine, Thomas HInes, members of Schindler family and many more.
CAST
MERYL STREEP - NARRATOR
Voiceover
UDO KIER - R.M. SCHINDLER Voiceover
XANDER BERKELEY - F.L. WRIGHT Voiceover
BLAKE LINDSLEY - ESTHER McCOY & ELLEN JANSON Voiceover
TEAM
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Valentina Ganeva -
Director/ Writer/ Producer/ Editor
Valentina B. Ganeva is a graduate of the
National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria.
She holds a BA degree in Film History and Theory and made her
mark as a freelance journalist. After relocating to Los Angeles, Valentina became a co-owner and an exec. producer at Murex Films, Inc., a Santa Monica based post-production house. During her time with the company, Valentina built an extensive resume as an editor. Her lifelong interest in art, architecture and design merged with her knowledge and experience in video production culminated in her first film, “Schindler Space Architect”.
Jacek Laskus, ASC, PSC -
Director of Photography
Jacek Laskus graduated from Polish National Film Academy in Lodz. He has worked with directors like Robert Altman, Michael Tolkin, Jonathan Demme and was nominated twice by the ASC for his work on The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (1988) and Garden Of Redemption (1997). Member of the American Society of Cinematographers since 2000. Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2025. Laskus is a Senior Lecturer at the AFI in Los Angeles.
Danny Ducovny -
Director of Photography / Executive Producer
Considered one of the finest commercial directors and
cinematographers, famous for launching with his company Cucoloris worldwide successful campaigns. He is recipient of countless award and the only person to win the Kodak Cinematography Award twice.
Gerald V. Casale - Co-writer
Founder, co-principal songwriter and a vocalist for the new
wave band, DEVO. Gerald is also an award-winning music
video/commercial director and avid art collector. His decadeslong embrace of mid-century architecture culminated in his participation in the restoration of Richard Neutra’s Kun House in Los Angeles built in 1933. Gerald’s passion and knowledge about the significance of Neutra’s and Schindler’s California residential architecture brought him to the project.
Mark Tschanz - Composer
LA based composer, Songwriter and Guitarist. After some year as a Songwriter with EMI publishing UK in London and then as a composer for a number of independent motion pictures and 2 contemporary Ballets and numerous commercials, Mark moved back to Los Angeles where contributed some guitars to Danny Elfman's score for "50 Shades of grey". He has featured songs and additional music in "Stealing Beauty", "Waltzing with Brando" to mention a few.
Stephen Nemeth - Executive Producer
Formed and heads up Rhino Films. He is a producer known for “The Sessions”(Sundance 2012 Audience Award, 2013 AcademyAward nomination for Helen Hunt), “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998). As an executive producer he has been essential in bringing to completion many documentaries. Nemeth is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Harriet Hubbard, Bernard Friedman, James Rega - Executive Producers
Jill Mazursky - Associate Producer
Producer and writer, known for Keep on Keepin’ On (2014),
Gone Fishin’ (1997), Taking Care of Business (1990),
Fiddlin’ (2018), David Crosby: Remember My Name(2019),
Exposure (2022).
Debra Spark, Harriett Gold - Associate Producers