The National Building Museum (NBM) will, for the fifth year, partner with the Architecture & Design Film Festival to produce and host the festival in Washington, D.C. (ADFF:DC) Jan. 26-29, 2023.
The four-day festival will showcase a diverse selection of films from more than 11 countries that investigate design’s impact, environmentally and culturally, on the worlds of fashion, real estate, art, architecture, urban planning, and housing, the NBM says in a Dec. 15 statement.
ADFF:DC Opening Night kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 26, with Alice Street, a moving documentary about the power of public art and a mural that brought together artists, community leaders and two neighborhoods in the fight to protect history, culture and voice in the face of gentrification. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the director Spencer Wilkinson and community organizer, Lailan Sandra Huen. The evening will also feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to mingle following the screening of the film.
Friday and Saturday evening’s festivities begin with a Happy Hour, featuring vendors, Little Miner Taco, Don Ciccio & Figli, Other Half Brewing, and Silver Branch Brewing.
Friday evening includes a photography showcase featuring local artists, James Singewald and Steven Cummings, and multiple films exploring international design, the origins of redlining, and modern consequences of discriminatory urban design.
Saturday’s films highlight the exciting world of sustainable fashion. In addition to screenings, visitors can learn more about sustainable clothing at a panel discussion with industry leaders and pick up a one-of-a-kind piece from local vendors Tribute Collective, Bitter Grace or Illicit Rag Vintage at a pop-up market in the Great Hall.
The festival concludes on Sunday, Jan. 29, with a celebration of D.C. culture and history featuring a Go-Go brunch with D.C. band TOB, a pop-up exhibition of photographer Dee Dwyer’s work documenting the people and culture of Southeast D.C., and a screening of the documentary Barry Farm: Community, Land and Justice in Washington D.C. The film tells the story of the fight to protect the legacy of a community that helped define D.C. culture and will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Samuel George and Sabiyha Prince.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with ADFF and proud that many of the films curated for this year’s festival are timely and relevant to residents in the D.C metro area,” NBM president and executive director Aileen Fuchs said in a statement.
“We are dedicated to offering engaging, immersive programming that inspires and educates about the world we design and build. This year’s festival features films that focus on equity, sustainability, and innovation, all of which are part of the Museum’s guiding Pillars of Impact. We hope visitors will come in from the cold to experience thought-provoking films and discussions; delicious food and beverages; and fun cultural activations around fashion, photography, and music.”
Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s website.
