Winner · Environmental Film · London Art Film Awards 2026
Documentary film
Can Lis
Utzon's Hidden Masterpiece
The film delves into the history of Can Lis, the residence Jørn Utzon designed on the coast of Mallorca. More than just a house, Can Lis represents the perfect harmony between design and nature, using local materials and sustainability principles long before the concept gained global significance.
A Share Your Green Design film · Supported by Utzon Center
Synopsis
Located on the majestic coast of Mallorca, Can Lis – Utzon's Hidden Masterpiece unravels the history and significance of the iconic house designed by Jørn Utzon, the architect behind the world-famous Sydney Opera House, as a retreat for him and his family a few years after he left Sydney. Utzon crafted a home that harmonises with its surroundings while embodying his architectural philosophy.
In this film we explore how this retreat becomes a fine example of timeless design and architectural poetry, with a deep respect for the island's natural environment and the use of local materials and resources. Can Lis was built 50 years ago, but it is more relevant now than ever, in the current context of climate change, rising carbon emissions and resource scarcity.
Guided by the insightful knowledge of the architects and university professors Piers Taylor and Francisco Cifuentes, a Professor at ETH Zurich, and featuring a special collaboration with Line Nørskov, architect and director of exhibitions at the Utzon Center, this documentary reveals how Utzon distilled lessons from his global travels, the local context in Mallorca, his youth in Denmark, his life in Sydney, his passion for sailing and his understanding of the world, that led him to create this timeless masterpiece.
Directed by Juan Alberto Morillas, architect and founder of the platform Share Your Green Design, with an original soundtrack composed by award-winning composer Juan Cruz-Guevara, this film celebrates the convergence of art, nature and design, and invites us to rethink how we build for the future.
Trailer
Awards
Winner · Environmental FilmLondon Art Film Awards 2026
Official SelectionGalway Film Fleadh 2026
Jury Special MentionSilk Road International Film Festival 2025
Two Honourable MentionsBest Director Debut & Best Original Score · Sofia World Film Festival 2025
Honourable MentionBeyond The Screen Festival 2026
Award of ExcellenceDirection · Best Shorts Competition 2025
Award of ExcellenceDocumentary · Best Shorts Competition 2025
Award of ExcellenceThe Impact Doc Award 2026
Official FinalistWSXA Barcelona International Film Festival 2026
Semi-FinalistARFF Barcelona International Film Festival 2026
Semi-FinalistFilmhaus 2026
Official SelectionYour Way International Film Festival 2026
Official SelectionLiberty Film Festival 2026
Official SelectionVesuvio International Movie Awards 2026Testimonials
In life, there are moments that define us, and for me, visiting Can Lis in 2022 was one of those moments. This documentary is the result of three years of discovery about Can Lis, Mallorca, Utzon, but also about what is truly important in architecture and life. Can Lis is much more than a house. It is the materialisation of a way of understanding the world. And that is what I have tried to convey with this documentary.

It's been an extraordinary pleasure to immerse myself in the world of Utzon and Can Lis. I studied in Sydney, I've been to the Opera House, but nothing quite prepared me for where visiting Can Lis would take me, and what it would show me about an extraordinary world of architecture that can move beyond the orthodox, the formal, the dogmatic. The rich world of Utzon opened up something for me that really was life-changing.
Composing the music for Can Lis has been a rewarding experience because I had to navigate through very different sound worlds, finding the sound of every corner of the house and every thought of Utzon. Being present at the documentary's premiere at the Utzon Center, his home, was a very happy and fulfilling moment. An unforgettable moment.
Audience reactions
This beautiful documentary was for me a revelation: spectacular insights into the siting, design and materiality of Can Lis.
The extraordinary work of Juan Alberto Morillas's team offers us an experience of captivating and magical beauty, revealing Utzon's petrified dream: the value of place, the rigour of simplicity, the rhythm of light, the colour of earth and sea, and the song of silence broken by the waves. A perfect tribute to life. A perfect tribute to Architecture.
When several artistic languages come together to express something, the result is sublime. The staging, text and cinematography are worthy of the architectural ensemble; they flow together as one whole which, without Juan Cruz-Guevara's music, would lack unity. The music, like the sea, shapes the cliff, the building and the dialogue of this documentary.
A wonderful approach to a remarkable work and architect. The connection between landscape, project and biography is beautifully crafted, resulting in a personal and thought-provoking audiovisual document. A must-see for students, educators, professionals and anyone interested in getting closer to the essence of architecture.
Screening licences
Bring Can Lis to your classroom, library or cultural programme. Ideal for courses in architecture history and theory, sustainable design, landscape and environmental studies.
Screening Licence
For universities, schools, libraries, professional associations and cultural centres.
- One screening in a classroom or venue
- Up to 100 people, free admission
- Access from the working day before your screening until 48 hours after it starts, via a private, password-protected link
- Streaming only – the film cannot be downloaded
VAT, where applicable, is calculated at checkout according to your country.
How it works
Book online
Pay securely online and tell us your screening date, venue and course at checkout. Please book at least 2 working days in advance.
Receive your link
We email your private viewing link and password on the working day before your screening.
Screen the film
Your link works until 48 hours after your screening starts and then expires automatically.
Tailored options
The following are not included in the standard screening licence and are quoted separately.
Watching at home?
Can Lis will soon be available to rent and watch at home. Join the waiting list and you'll be the first to know. In the meantime, you can ask your university, library or architecture association to host a screening.
Join the waiting listDoes your institution need to pay by bank transfer or purchase order? Contact us.
Licence terms · Questions: canlis@shareyourgreendesign.com
Original soundtrack
The soundtrack by Juan Cruz-Guevara accompanies the viewer throughout the 53-minute journey, blending Jørn Utzon's architecture with the essence of the Mallorcan landscape. From the melancholy of the opening notes to the gentle farewell of Aire, each piece reflects a different facet of the place and its creator.
The complete soundtrack, including the closing song Aire, is available on Spotify.
News
Press
- Diario de AlmeríaJuan Cruz Guevara realiza la música de un documental sobre Jørn Utzon→
- Ahora GranadaEl Centro Lorca de Granada acoge un documental sobre Can Lis→
- Granada HoyJuan Cruz-Guevara firma la música de la cinta sobre Jørn Utzon→
- IdealEl autor de la Ópera de Sídney, en un documental granadino→
Has this story inspired you?
Can Lis – Utzon's Hidden Masterpiece is an independent documentary project. You can support us with a voluntary contribution to help bring this story to festivals, screenings and new audiences. Interested in screening the film or collaborating? Get in touch. Have you seen the film? We would love to hear what you thought.
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