Vintage-style poster of Edward Fields holding his invention "the magic needle" with the title 'The Fifth Wall: The Edward Fields Story'. Documentary about Edward Fields created and directed by Thurlkill studios for Edward Fields Carpet Makers.

Next Screening October 8, 2025

THE FIFTH WALL FILM

The Edward Fields Story

To see the film, register for the Chicago Design Show at the following link. Scroll down to the event for 4PM on October 8th.

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The Fifth Wall Trailer

The Fifth Wall Film

THE EDWARD FIELDS STORY

The Fifth Wall Chronicles one of the most innovative brands of the 20th century: Edward Fields. From the companies humble beginnings to revolutionizing manufacturing, interior design and home living, the documentary delves into the story of a man and his company and how they changed everyday American life as we know it.

Thurlkill Studios, Aspire Films and Edward Fields Carpet Makers present The Fifth Wall: The Edward Fields Story. Director Stuart Thurlkill, Executive Directors Steve Mandel and Amy Sneider. Starring Jack Fields, Ariana Massouh, Ed Goldberg, Shukkun Hue, Fernando Mastrangelo, Jamie Drake, Jeff Lincoln, Bennett Leifer, Michael Reagan, Yvonne Kurziow, Ellen Fisher, Alexis Barr, Juliana Polastri, Amy Marx, Bethany Hope, Fabio Mejia, Mark Stoner, Gail Gaynin, Ellen Fauerbach, Marsha Livnat, Jane Kizer, Janet Mittler.

FAQs

  • Selected as a Semi-Finalist for the Seattle Film Festival, it is available to stream on EO Flix until September 7th, 2025. The Next premier will be in Chicago on October 8, 2025 at the Merchandise Mart during the Chicago Design Show. Register today to attend the premier. Please reach out to learn more about future screening dates or to host a private screening in your city.

  • In 1935 at the age of 23, Edward Fields married his sweetheart, Eleanor. The couple spent their honeymoon setting up a modest showroom in Manhattan with the goal of becoming a luxury custom house. Fields developed a tufting tool in the mid-1940s – the Magic Needle – which would go on to define the company’s signature hand-tufting texture and forever change carpet production.

    Edward Fields invented the term ‘area rug’ and produced pieces, which he called ‘art for the floor’, both in-house and through collaborations with the best designers and artists of mid-century America, including Raymond Loewy, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, Phillip Johnson, Van Day Truex and Marion Dorn.

  • Edward Fields Carpet Makers is a vanguard of American design and has been creating bespoke luxury carpets and rugs for eight decades.

    Edward Fields is known for unparalleled design, quality and craftsmanship. Their extraordinary custom capabilities have made it a trade secret among American designers for decades. Located in architectural landmarks and notable private residences - from the Glass House by Philip Johnson to the White House in Washington, DC - Edward Fields rugs are found in the most prestigious locations worldwide and continue to be specified by designers for contemporary projects.

  • Director, Stuart Thurlkill skillfully opens windows into his subjects lives, creating stories from a deep sense of wonder and purpose. Celebrated for his outstanding documentary work, he has also built a strong reputation for advertising and commercial projects. As an artist, he hopes to pioneer rich stories of empathy and beauty that impact communities.

  • Exploring the artistry and legacy of Edward Fields has been a profoundly personal journey, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur and artist. The narrative extends beyond just recounting tales of American tapestry. This is a story of showmanship, risk and bold craftsmanship, all in the service of art finding a new home, “The Fifth Wall.”

SOCIAL CAMPAIGN

A young boy standing on a ladder in a yarn warehouse surrounded by shelves filled with large spools of yarn.
A man wearing light-colored clothing and black shoes is creating a large abstract black and white mural on a wall, using a spray gun. The mural features intricate, organic shapes with layered, striped patterns. There are rolls of coiled wire or some
Black and white portrait of a man wearing glasses, a suit, and a tie, sitting with one arm resting on a surface and looking directly at the camera. Historical Documentary Film made by Thurlkill studios for Edward Fields Carpet Makers.
A group of men standing in a line outdoors, with a long rolled-up carpet or fabric draped over their shoulders, on a city street with parked cars. An Edward Fields van and a building with large windows are visible in the background.
Four adults looking at framed art pieces and photographs displayed on the floor, in what appears to be an art exhibition or gallery, with yarn rolls and fabric in the background. Historical Documentary Film made by Thurlkill studios for Edward Fields
Interior of a store or craft space with wall display of yarn in various shades, tables with floral arrangements, and a patterned rug on wooden floor. Historical Documentary Film made by Thurlkill studios for Edward Fields Carpet Makers.
Two men working on an abstract painting in an art studio, one using a power tool, the other observing. The studio has bright overhead lights and various art supplies. Historical Documentary Film made by Thurlkill studios for Edward Fields Carpet Make
A young man in a suit and glasses shows a woman a piece of artwork with a pointer at an art gallery. The woman, dressed in a striped dress and headscarf, holds a purse and listens attentively. Historical Documentary Film made by Thurlkill studios

Contact

A film reel and a strip of film with the words 'aspire film' underneath.
Blank white background
White handwritten-style text that reads 'THURLKILL STUDIOS' on a black background.