A new biographical film about renowned Philadelphia architect Louis Kahn was partially filmed in Lancaster County, despite the legendary designer having no architectural works in the area. The upcoming movie "Joy Will Prevail" utilized several local venues during its summer production schedule.
MAKE/FILMS, the Lancaster-based video production company known for creating the feature-length film "Brave the Dark," is currently in post-production for this latest project. The film boasts an impressive cast led by Griffin Dunne, famous for his roles in "An American Werewolf in London" and "After Hours," who portrays the celebrated architect Louis Kahn.
The star-studded ensemble also includes Alexis Bledel from "Gilmore Girls" and "The Handmaid's Tale," Ben Rosenfield from "Mickey and the Bear," Molly Ephraim from "A League of Their Own," and Jennifer Beals, known for her iconic role in "Flashdance." Max Korman will make his directorial debut with this biographical drama.
The film's narrative centers on Kahn during the 1970s, focusing on a pivotal period when he was designing a residence for the Korman family. This house, located in Fort Washington, Montgomery County, holds special significance as it was the last residential project Kahn designed before his death. The story explores this final chapter of the architect's distinguished career.
Filming took place across multiple Lancaster County locations from June through August. The production utilized diverse venues including Conway Social Club, the historic W.W. Griest Building, Penn Square, Armstrong World Industries, and a private residence in Millersville. Local residents may have spotted the film crew working in downtown Lancaster, particularly on Tuesday, July 29, when they were filming in the alley between Lancaster Central Market and the Griest Building.
While Kahn had no direct architectural connection to Lancaster County, there is one notable cultural link to the area. The architect reportedly admired Charles Demuth, a Lancaster-based painter whose legacy is preserved at the Demuth Museum located at 120 E. King St. in Lancaster. This connection was celebrated in 2012 when the museum hosted a joint exhibition featuring works from both Kahn and Demuth, highlighting the artistic relationship between the two creative figures.
Kahn's remarkable life story began when his family emigrated to the United States from what is now Kuresaare, Estonia. After settling in Philadelphia, he attended Philadelphia Central High School and later studied at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Fine Arts. His academic career flourished as he became a professor at both the Yale School of Architecture and the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.
The architect's legacy includes numerous iconic structures that continue to influence modern design. Among his most celebrated works are the Yale University Art Gallery, the renowned Salk Institute, and the Wharton Esherick Museum, formerly known as the Wharton Esherick Workshop. These buildings exemplify his distinctive architectural philosophy and masterful use of light and space.
Kahn passed away in 1974 at the age of 73, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that continues to inspire architects and designers worldwide. "Joy Will Prevail" promises to offer audiences an intimate look at the final period of this architectural master's life, bringing his story to Lancaster County audiences through the skilled production work of the local MAKE/FILMS company.
