Max Korman’s biographical drama Joy Will Prevail, exploring the final years of Estonian-born architect Louis Kahn, will have its international premiere at PÖFF on 7 November. Director Max Korman, lead actor Griffin Dunne and Kahn’s grandson Gregory Kahn will also take part in an open press conference, welcoming festival audiences with free admission.

“I am from Estonia,” declares Louis Kahn, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, in Joy Will Prevail. Marking the 125th anniversary of his birth, the film follows the architect during the final years of his life as he designs the Korman House in Pennsylvania, his last private residence.

For director Max Korman, the story is deeply personal: his grandfather commissioned the house, he grew up there, and it remains in the family today.

Kahn is portrayed by acclaimed American actor Griffin Dunne, known for his roles in John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London and Martin Scorsese’s After Hours.

The film’s international premiere takes place on 7 November at 20:15 in Apollo Cinema Plaza, Hall 2, with Korman, Dunne and members of the film crew attending to present the film.

Earlier that day, audiences can meet Korman, Dunne and Gregory Kahn Melitonov at an open press conference at 14:30 in Apollo Cinema Plaza, Hall 7. The discussion will offer an opportunity to hear about the making of the film and Kahn’s life and legacy.
The event will be held in English and last 90 minutes. Admission is free with a ticket, which must be booked in advance.

Book your free press conference ticket HERE

Born in Kuressaare on the Estonian island of Saaremaa in 1901, Kahn emigrated to the United States with his family in 1906. He returned to Saaremaa in 1928, spending several weeks with his grandmother. His longtime collaborator, Estonian structural engineer August Komendant, recalled that Kahn spoke fondly of the island’s white nights and rocky shores and consistently identified Estonia as his birthplace.

The film team will also visit Kuressaare, where a special screening of Joy Will Prevail takes place at Thule Cinema on 8 November at 18:00. Their visit to Estonia is organised in cooperation with the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation.