The late Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (1927—2023) was one of the most significant Indian architects of the twentieth century. Recipient of the 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize (often referred to as the Nobel Prize for Architecture), Doshi transformed the design philosophies of internationally renowned masters like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, with whom he worked, into a sensitive design language for the Indian condition. He also placed human experience at the core of his practice, resisting the modernist ideal of the completed masterpiece, and instead developing open structures that adapt to the people living in them. Doshi believed that architecture is synonymous with life, a vehicle for constant celebration, and a medium for heightened human experience.

The Promise. Architect BV Doshi transports viewers to some of Doshi’s most recognised projects, which span town planning programs, cultural hubs, institutional campuses, residences, and social housing. The film offers an exclusive look into his work processes, values, and ideals, capturing the architect’s indelible curiosity and enthusiasm, as well as his spiritual, social, and environmental philosophies. Contrasting the chaotic, colourful, and noisy streets of Bangalore, Indore, and Ahmedabad with the serenity of the architect’s studio, The Promise. Architect BV Doshi is a heartfelt tribute to a man who was at the forefront of Indian modernism, and whose work revelled in the constant flux of life.

Jan Schmidt-Garre (b. 1962, Germany) is a director and producer of film and opera. He studied directing at the Munich Film Academy and philosophy at the University of Philosophy, Munich. Schmidt-Garre has made numerous documentaries and feature films about music, dance, and contemporary art, including Fuoco sacro–A Search for the Sacred Fire of Song (2022), Chopin at the Opera (2010), and Andreas Gursky: Long Shot Close Up (2010). He has also presented opera productions in Germany and Switzerland.