Documentary premieres on Facundo Martínez, influential Valencian builder

A new documentary titled “Facundo Martínez: de Mislata a Kioto” premiered at the Mostra de València, exploring the life and legacy of Facundo Martínez. Although he did not hold the title of architect, Martínez significantly transformed the residential landscape of Valencia during the 1960s and 1970s.

His work, including buildings such as Domus, Greco, San Remo, Las Vegas, Oslo, and Kioto, introduced modern European design elements like specific textures, colors, and lighting to a period often characterized by aesthetic monotony. Director Mar Navarro Herraiz notes that Martínez was a singular figure who designed everything from the structural walls to the furniture and lamps.

The film also examines the personal contradictions of Martínez, detailing how he navigated a life of deep Catholic faith alongside his homosexuality during the Franco regime. The documentary aims to provide recognition to a builder whose contributions to the city's architectural identity have historically been overlooked.