COLOR
BLACK & WHITE
COLOR
BLACK & WHITE
FILMS
This is the story of the World Trade Center’s lead structural engineer, a man haunted by its collapse and the events of 9/11. It is told by the guru himself Leslie E. Robertson and those closest to him.
Architecture and Design Film Festival NY (ADFF NY)
New York City World Premiere of Leaning Out
Opening Night Movie
October 16, 2018
Cinepolis Chelsea
Leaning Out screened at international architectural and design film festivals, museums, universities, steel conferences and AIA events. The film premiered in major cities across the globe in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, with Les Robertson, SawTeen See and filmmaker Basia Myszynski in attendance during Q&A sessions. In 2019 the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) opened its 10th World Congress with the documentary. Leaning Out continues to air on PBS stations in America.
"The film was able to straddle the emotionally charged events of 9/11 and the immense impact Les has made on our built environment. A great American storyline that affects us all."
JONATHAN WARD, NBBJ Design Partner
"This movie is a wonderful story of the life of an outstanding structural engineer and his partner."
ARTHUR GENSLER
The film celebrates the life and work of master engineer Ralph Modjeski, his 20th century strategically significant bridges and their impact on urban development and commerce. It’s a tribute to innovative engineering, fabricators and bridge workers during two eras of transit.
Bridging Urban America screened in major US cities, museums and universities with national and international broadcasts on PBS, European public television and PBS America in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Designers and Engineers received educational credits via online webinars sponsored by American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
"This outstanding film about America's bridges could not have come at a better time, showing the importance of infrastructure to a nation's economy, culture, and sense of self-worth."
HENRY PETROSKI, Duke University / Author Engineers of Dreams
"...Our failure to maintain these bridges threatens our future."
EGON TERPLAN, Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Transportation at California Governor's Office
ABOUT
LEONARD MYSZYNSKI - California Architecture Photographer/Filmmaker
Although architecture is intriguing in itself, masterful photography has the power to change perceptions, transforming a structure’s nature and rhythms while making links to its community. Hence, for me photography and architecture are intrinsically connected.
Growing up in eastern Europe surrounded by medieval towns and Napoleonic war fortresses provided a rare curiosity, as well as historical and cultural contexts. As a cinematographer at the Polish Film and Television Academy, I learned the value of how stories, movement and human elements embellish and energize spaces. Strangely, my work became more impressionistic, metaphorical, and symbolic.
Once in the United States, my European sensibility, passion for the art of lighting and technical skills led to a wide range of architectural commissions over a thirty-year career span. Working in tandem with my filmmaking partner Basia, we unraveled complex stories about the makers of these structures, discovered intricate collaborations, acute design and construction challenges and the correlations between design, geography and environmental impacts.
Our PBS-aired documentaries took us on an invaluable journey across America, filming urban centers, waterways and iconic structures. Inspired, I created and exhibited a series of urban fine art.
My lens defines me and has taught me to see form and function differently.
The goal is simple. I create still images and motion sequences, inviting the viewer into the space, to experience form in another dimension.. Perhaps this will allow the viewer to take a look into the soul of the architect and the work. This is my challenge as an architectural storyteller and it gives me enormous purpose and satisfaction. - Leonard
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Leonard filming aerials over the Bay Bridge - San Francisco
studio@solareye.biz
tel. 949 400 7193