Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation

The 2012 film, Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation, directed by Stefan Haupt, serves as a splendid and evocative documentary that delves into one of the world's most extraordinary pieces of architecture - the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. This monumental cinematic journey features notable figures like architect Jordi Bonet i Armengol, sculptor Etsuro Sotoo, and architect Anna Huber, who are individually instrumental in the ongoing design and construction of the Sagrada Familia.

The documentary offers an in-depth interpretation of Antoni Gaudí's vision, the iconic Catalan architect, and shares the profound, sacred, and complex story behind its continued manifestation. It provides a rare opportunity for audiences worldwide to gain access to the creative mind and artistic process of one of the world's most original and innovative architects, whose creativity continues to inspire long after his death.

From the very beginning, Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation creates a spellbinding fascination grounded in its luminary subject matter, the Sagrada Familia. Its visual story-telling focuses on the landmark's exquisite micro detailing to its towering macro structures, engaging the viewers with an awe-inspiring display of artistry, divine inspiration, and architectural ingenuity that defy simple categorisation.

Jordi Bonet i Armengol, one of the notable figures in this film, carries forward Gaudi's vision not as a job, but as a profound professional responsibility. His engagement with the project is needed to realise a building that, while incomplete, already represents one of the most significant architectural accomplishments in human history. Similarly, the documentary extensively features Japanese sculptor Etsuro Sotoo, known for converting to Catholicism while working on the church. The film highlights his intriguing journey and his role in the ongoing construction, thereby providing an emotional shift from architectural detail to personal narratives.

The central point that runs through Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation is the ambitious project's scale – its intended completion is set precisely 100 years after Gaudi's death. The documentary mirrors the long trajectory of the building’s construction and its philosophy - a slow, meticulous process rooted in sculpture, art, and faith. This pace is reflected as Haupt takes his time to probe, reflect and meditate on the astonishing vision that drives the building's creation.

The presence of architect Anna Huber brings another dimension to the film. While her role in the construction of the Sagrada Familia differs from Bonet and Sotoo, her insightful thoughts and reflectivity add depth to the discourse on architecture as an art form and its existential and spiritual implications. The placement of her perspectives within the movie offers viewers a varied understanding of the architectural masterpiece and the profound impact it has on people who encounter it.

Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation successfully weaves together not just architectural elements, but personal narratives, historical context, and spiritual explorations as well. The depiction of the Sagrada Familia is not merely an isolated piece of architecture, but an ongoing process of creation that intertwines with the city's culture, history, and people. This connection is particularly conveyed in the references to the Catalan history and the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War, which left a mark on Spain and impacted the church.

The film operates on multiple levels: as a commentary on architecture, as a history piece, and as spiritual reflection, while also exploring the creative process. Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation welcomes its audience into an encounter with the sacred, both in the artistic expression and in the broader context of sacrality within everyday life.

Through this profound voyage, Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation offers an inviting look into the heart and soul of one of humanity’s most outstanding architectural projects. The documentary serves as both informative and contemplative material that encourages viewers to ponder the interaction of creativity, faith, perseverance, and the audacity of the human spirit within our tangible and shared environments.