All Films

In 1935 the founders of Artek drew up a manifesto that the Finnish furniture company still lives by. Their "one chair is enough" slogan promoted a philosophy of consuming in an intelligent way. And this resulted in well-designed, timeless pieces that are coveted to this day. So much so that Artek is hunting down old items and bringing them back to life.

For our second film reporting from the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale, Hugo Macdonald headed to the giardini to explore conceptual thought and artistic interpretations at the national pavilions.

British Architect David Chipperfield was chosen to be the Director of the this year's Venice Architecture Biennale. He chose "Common Ground" as his theme and from 29th August to 25th November visitors can observe how architects, photographers, artists, filmmakers and urban planners together responded to the theme.

The US military has long used a type of camouflage pattern designed according to the type of terrain in which it will be used. Now, a Brooklyn-based company has persuaded it to try a new way of (not) seeing things.

The functional concrete bungalows hastily built after the Second World War to house the US troops are becoming a popular option for young Japanese looking for more living space.

Maputo's turbulent history includes colonial rule, war and regime change. And it's a rich history told in the buildings that line the streets of Mozambique's capital.

Monocle invited chef Jonathan Conroy into our Midori House kitchen to cook the prefect summer meal. He demonstrated the art of making a traditional Turkish starter, Mediterranean main course and a quintessential British classic – trifle – on film.

Marseille is a city embracing the future while keeping its celebrated multicultural personality intact. To discover the beating heart of Marseille, Monocle Films visits three hoteliers whose establishments reflect the evolution of this heady Mediterranean city: Au Vieux Panier, Le Petit Nice and Hotel Le Corbusier.

In the forest of Evjemoen, Norway's officer training school puts troops through an extreme test of endurance. It's a physical and mental challenge but more of the latter in these days of modern warfare.

Swiss military food is amongst the best military food in the world. We attend kitchen boot camp to witness operational excellence in the field of the culinary arts.

Also known as Geppetto by the regular visitors, 56-year-old Aldo Sbruzzi not only resembles the animated character (Pinocchio’s father) for wearing his glasses at the tip of his nose but also for his kind service and paternal ways; like most of the staff at Balcao, he greets customers by name. His charm has even set off long-term relationships. “One time a client congratulated me, the guy sitting next to her agreed and thus began a conversation. Today they are married,” says Sbruzzi.

Fondly known as Nino by the regular customers, 28-year-old Nassif Aramouni started working at Dragonfly six years ago and has moved his way up to become chief bartender. Not an easy feat for someone who studied aircraft maintenance and had little experience behind the counter. Nino always serves a glass of water with each cocktail. As he says, “It’s not about getting drunk, but enjoying the drink.”

Head bartender Mitsugi Yoshida has been mixing cocktails for six decades, having started in the early 1950s when he was just 18. Yoshida is a legend in the business, and his original Café de Tokyo won third place at the 1973 International Cocktail Competition in Los Angeles. Those in the know come on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the house ‘Yoshida Martini’.

The South Korean city of Yeosu is host to the three-month world Expo 2012. The fair aims to spread awareness about ocean life but most people show up for the entertainment, including national pavilions, robots, K-pop acts and a bayside water-and-fire show. Monocle’s Kenji Hall went to find out more.

What Cannes is to film and Venice is to architecture - Arles is to photography. Our Monocle film crew headed down to the South of France for the opening week of Les Rencontres d'Arles - the world's leading photography festival.