Soft pastels, vibrant teals, earthy ochres and rich blues define Walk of Frames, a visually engaging pavilion at ADFF:STIR Mumbai. Situated in the JSW Pavilion Park at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) across Open Air Plaza and Experimental Garden, this immersive installation on view from January 10-12, 2025, merges architecture, cinema and storytelling into a singular, cohesive experience. Conceived by Manish Gulati, principal architect of M:OFA Studio, in collaboration with production designer Shruti Gupte, the pavilion design transforms a simple entryway into a narrative journey. Partnering with ICA Pidilite, the installation incorporates a wide range of finishes that enhance its textures and colours, fitting perfectly with the concept’s ethos of intersecting tradition with modernity. Inspired by the iconic visual language of filmmaker Wes Anderson, the installation celebrates his use of vibrant colour palettes, symmetry and whimsical yet cinematic compositions. Anderson’s work is known for its meticulous detail and ability to evoke nostalgia, creating worlds that feel both surreal and familiar; a fitting influence for a design festival celebrating the transformative power of storytelling. The colours, inspired by his signature palettes, mirror the diversity of emotions cinema evokes, from nostalgia and curiosity to celebration.

Walk of Frames comprises five intricately designed structures that guide visitors through a progression of moods, much like the arc of a film. Each frame embodies a distinct narrative from indulgence and joy to romance, history and warmth. The journey begins at the outermost frame, the Patisserie Façade. Its whimsical design symbolises the celebratory spirit of the film as an art form that bridges cultures and genres. This is followed by the Grand Archway, a modern design reflecting the evolution of storytelling into bold and innovative realms. The Balcony Scene evokes themes of romance and drama, drawing from iconic cinematic moments that unfold in such settings. Moving inward, the Rustic Archway transports visitors into the timeless beauty of classic films, embodying enduring narratives while the innermost Café Doorway welcomes one with warmth, akin to the opening sequence of a movie, inviting to step into the festival’s vibrant world.

Gulati, known for his work in parametric and computational design in India, describes the installation as “more than just an art installation; it’s a symbolic representation of art, design and cinema together. Each frame represents some sort of a narrative or a memory. Its surfaces represent traditions, while the smooth textures and bright bold colours celebrate the cinematic world.” With over 75 national and international awards, Gulati has established M:OFA Studio as a leader in contemporary architecture. Known for their innovative and holistic designs, the studio specialises in integrating technology with creativity, producing spaces that are not just functional but experiential.

Gupte, a production designer with a background in architecture, brought her extensive experience in film and design to the project. Having transitioned into production design after studying architecture at CEPT and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, followed by filmmaking at NYU, Gupte has worked on numerous feature films, TV shows, commercials and exhibition events. Her work bridges the worlds of design and storytelling, seamlessly blending aesthetics with narrative intent.

Cinema has long been celebrated as a medium that bridges the gap between art and emotion, using visual storytelling to evoke shared experiences and personal memories. Through installations like Walk of Frames, this connection is reimagined in a physical space, merging architecture and design to amplify the sensory journey of cinematic narratives. With curated aesthetics, interactive elements and thematic resonance, the installation underscores how design can transcend its functional roots to become a tool for storytelling, mirroring the transformative power of cinema itself.

Walk of Frames stands as a tribute to the art of storytelling. Each of the five distinct facades highlights a unique facet; be it indulgence, romance, or nostalgia while collectively offering a unified narrative experience. By weaving these elements together with careful consideration, the Indian architects have created an installation that resonates deeply with the spirit of the architectural festival, offering a visual and emotional prelude to the cinematic journeys within.

For more information, visit the ADFF:STIR Mumbai website for key highlights of the festival, including the 20+ films, 10 cinematic pavilions, special projects the ~log(ue) programme, media and press coverage and more. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for ADFF:STIR Mumbai 2026.