7 Chapels

A film where architecture is a protagonist. Anthropological is approach, aesthetic in delivery. Studying how sacred architecture embodies the human urge to give meaning and understand existence itself, or simply anything. Long takes, combined with music, draw you into a surreal trance.Architecture photographer Jens Weber and portrait photographer Orla Connolly, joined forces with composer Wolfram Oettl, to create a non-narrative documentary film, contemplating architecture.Seven international architects, Hans Engel, John Pawson, Wilhelm Huber, Frank Lattke, Alen Jasarevic, Staab Architecs and Christoph Mäckler were commissioned by the Siegfried und Elfriede Denzel Foundation, to build seven chapels along the bike trails of the Swabian Danube Valley.This film is a meticulous visual study of these chapels. An observation of the intrinsic qualities of architecture and how structures elicit reactions from people and nature in the surrounding area.

The filmmaker’s distinctive approach to the buildings, and rigorous aesthetic sensibilities creates a space for contemplation of the architecture; long takes underpinned by Oettl’s meditative piano score combine to create a truly transcendent experience.