January often brings with it new beginnings. People make plans, resolutions, new starts that promise progress. And progress is precisely what the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF:STIR) brings to the city with its second edition starting January 9. The festival made its debut with a splash in 2025, after being founded by New York-based architect and film enthusiast Kyle Bergman in 2009. “The city’s audience is deeply engaged, passionate and eager to explore how films can influence the world of architecture and design,” shares Kyle Bergman, festival director and founder, ADFF.

Festival director and founder and editor-in-chief, STIR, Amit Gupta, adds that films are one of the central focus elements of the festival, and influence conversations on architecture through the medium. Another key element will the conversations under the umbrella of LOG(UE) programme. “The programme encourages active engagement, multiple points of view, and responsive discourse,” the director reveals.