Futurespectives

Gitanjali Rao is an original artist, animator and filmmaker who has caught the attention of both kids and adults with her touching, thought provoking work. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Gitanjali talks to Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about the landscape of animation film in India, why she chooses to continue to paint and shoot frame by frame, and the art of conveying emotion and connection without dialogue. Gitanjali also discusses writing for animation, how the 'feeling comes in the drawings' and why in India, filmmaking is considered more of a profession than an art.

Head of Locarno Pro, Markus Duffner, has been around the block more than once on the film festival circuit. Since 2014 he has worked for Locarno Pro taking charge of projects such as First Look and Match Me!, while in 2020 he became project manager of the new and highly innovative platform Heritage Online, devoted to digital distribution of classic and auteur movies, conceived by Duffner himself. Markus talks to Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about founding the Video On Demand platform 'Spamflix', the 360° role Locarno Pro plays in the support of auteur cinema, and why the Locarno Film Festival is such a driving force within the cinema industry.  This episode was recorded in August of 2022. 

Sociologist and writer Aris Komporozos-Athanasiou's research spans social and political theory, political and economic sociology, and studies about social movements. Talking to Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson, Aris examines the sociological lens and its imagination, the current radical uncertainty that dominates life, and the rise of speculative communities. Aris also discusses the attention economy and how that relates to film, sharing his observations in the distorted use of social media and in politics, and highlights the important role art plays in offering people more hopeful narratives to inspire them and improve lives in general.   Aris' latest book 'Speculative Communities: Living with Uncertainty in a Financialized World' is out now.

Film director, screenwriter and editor Kelly Reichardt is an author of free, independent, and brave cinema. She is best known for her minimalist films closely associated with slow cinema, many of which deal with working-class characters in small, rural communities. Kelly talks to Futurespectives Gabby Sanderson about why she is drawn to telling stories in which 'characters have to make only one mistake to see themselves sunk', about her continuing partnership and friendship with actress Michelle Williams, and how the animals that feature in her movies 'direct you'. Kelly also shares why she likes to personally edit the majority of her films, and reflects on the challenges she faced early on in her career due to her gender.

Director, Writer, Producer, Head of the Locarno Filmmakers Academy and Project Manager of Basecamp Stefano Knuchel has lived an extraordinary life and he's not slowing down! The self-taught director talks to Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about some of his incredible life adventures and how that is reflected in his films. Stefano also shares stories of a young Penélope Cruz and Spike Lee finding their way in Locarno, what it was like to grow up with a father who was a conman, and his hopes for the bright young creatives who take part in the Locarno Film Festival.

Michelle Serieux is an inspiring storyteller from St Lucia, working in fiction, documentary and interactive media, on projects that highlight unique stories and social issues. Michelle tackles social justice issues specific to the socio-cultural tapestry of the Caribbean and the global south. In her conversation with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson, Michelle talks about the resurgence of Caribbean cinema, being at the forefront of the wave, and her relentless fighting spirit as a woman working in film.

Costa-Gavras is a Greek-French film director, screenwriter and producer who is renowned for creating films with political and social themes, turning his lens on some of the darkest chapters in history. The legendary filmmaker discusses with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson why he believes he has never had 'a career', the reasons why he is drawn to continuing to work with actor David Clennon, and why he will never stop working or fighting to create change.

Rebekka Freedli and Nathalie Kamber are the artistic filmmakers behind Kollektiv Beton. Based in Zurich the creative duo talk about how they are inspired by new ways and fresh perspectives that are pushing the boundaries of classical cinematic narrations. The playful work partners share how they keep their business relationship healthy by participating in therapy, what the Swiss film scene is like for young upcoming creatives, and share with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson how their walk-through video installation project SKIES, came to life.

Responsible for several of the most profitable films in Hollywood's history, Emmy-winning producer Jason Blum helped to revolutionise the horror genre with his low-budget, money-spinning formula. In this episode Jason peels back the curtain on his fruitful methods and offers unique advice to anyone considering embarking on a career as a producer. Jason also shares with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson why he loves the uncomfortable, shies away from working with difficult actors, and likes to keep the audience on their toes.

In recent years, the landscape of cinema has made some dramatic changes and Kevin B. Lee believes in one or two years from now it will evolve again to look distinctly different to how it does now. Kevin is a filmmaker, media artist, critic and Locarno's professor for the Future of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts. His pioneering work in the video essay format has seen Kevin produce over 360 video essays exploring film and media, and his masterclass 'Cinema In The Age of Netflix' held in Locarno immediately sold out. In this episode Kevin sits down with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson to talk about the future of cinema, culture and society and how the emergence of a new type of cinephile is influencing the way movies are being produced and consumed. Also discussed is the urgency filmmakers have to make message films, how the rise of streaming services is affecting the social dynamic of cinema and how the power of escapism is just as important for the filmmaker as it is for their audience.

Acclaimed Palestinian artist, film director and producer Kamal Aljafari talks with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about interweaving fiction, non-fiction, and contemporary art in his work. In this conversation Kamal talks about the psychological strangeness of being an immigrant in the country you were born, his research into reinventing archival images for film and why art is all about sharing what's inside you in a way that is felt by the audience.

Xiaolu Guo talks about being an immigrant in London and how she faced cultural difficulties head on and channelled them into her writing and filmmaking. The Chinese-born British novelist, memoirist and filmmaker has experienced a fascinating life growing up in a rural coastal town in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, to transitioning to a very different life in the UK. Xiaolu also shares with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson the challenges of existing in both the Western and Chinese worlds and how some of her films and books have opened viewer's eyes to the perspectives of Chinese characters.

In Rafael Dernbach's role as a futurist, he discusses how cinematic experiences frame our lives today. The renowned researcher shares his take on the battle for audience's attention, the way how we pay attention has fundamentally changed, and why the rise in meditation represents a direct reaction to the ever increasing noise in our lives. He discloses insights with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about his latest broadcasting project ‘the 24hr talk' at the Locarno Film Festival 2022 and how innovation and reflection on new media will pave the way forward for cinema and the audio visual arts.

Michele Jannuzzi, the man behind the famous Locarno Film Festival brand emblem – the Leopard – shares the secrets of its origin, his redesign in 2007 and how the Leopard was born out of a mistake, yet quickly turned into one of the most recognisable images in cinema. The creative director and owner of Jannuzzi Smith also discusses with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson the influence of the festival on young local creatives in Locarno just like it did for him many years ago.

Udo Kier reflects on his life in movies, discussing with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson why he's so intrigued by complex characters and how he made it in Hollywood as a German actor. From favourite roles to favourite directors, Udo shares some candid stories from his career – one that he never wanted. This episode also sheds light on the role of cinema in opening up people's minds to different perspectives and the future of film festivals.

Artist, composer and film director Laurie Anderson shares with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson the first story she was ever told, and how she discovered some of her iconic sound making possibilities by mistake. The key player in the avant-garde music scene since the 60's also gives a sneak peak into what she is currently working on and why Jack Kennedy sent her a dozen red roses.

Matt Dillon reflects on his career, recalling the first scene he ever shot, the fun he had working on 'There's Something About Mary' and why they say you make a movie three times. Matt also talks with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about the process of making the controversial film 'The House That Jack Built' and overcoming his nerves to watch it for the first time.

Swiss-Peruvian artist, writer and director Klaudia Reynicke talks with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about juggling motherhood whilst being a filmmaker on the rise, the challenges she faces as a female in the industry, and how her experience living in three very different cultures unintentionally reflects in the honesty of her work. Klaudia also talks about inspirations behind her most acclaimed production yet, Love me tender.

Todd Haynes discusses with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson why he finds it so important to explore the themes of music, pop culture and sexuality in his films. The prolific director and screenwriter also considers why macho stereotypes in action movies can encourage toxic masculinity and how recruiting more females and minority voices in filmmaking is the answer to broadening society's points of view.

Locarno Film Festival's Deputy COO & Chief Innovation Officer Simona Gamba shares her inspiring story with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about going from being the Director of the Casting Department of MTV to the present. The communications and media industry veteran, who led countless projects of innovation and digitalization, talks about the connection/connectivity, stories and passion at the heart of Locarno and how the Festival has been pioneering force in the business when it comes to sustainability.

From the National Youth Theatre to 'Normal People', to starring on the big screen in ‘Where The Crawdads Sing', Daisy Edgar Jones discusses with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson why finding her purpose is a work in progress and despite so much early success how rejections in work have prepared her for rejection in her romantic life.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson likes to keep his private life private. However, in this intimate conversation with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson, Aaron opens up about why he feels much more comfortable playing a character than being himself in front of an audience. Aaron also shares why his role as a dad and a husband is his first priority, the joy of working with Brad Pitt and Russell Crowe in the same year, and how he and wife Sam became friends with Paul McCartney.

What does it take to be the artist director for one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world? Giona A. Nazzaro who has held this position for the Locarno Film Festival since 1st January 2021, has all the answers. Sharing with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson some of the highs, challenges and how he doesn't let personal taste interfere with his programming, there is a lot more to this role than meets the eye.

Lucius Barre is an international publicist who specialises in promoting culturally diverse films for worldwide distribution. Working with an incredible who's who of superstars like Doris Day, Rita Hayworth, Udo Kier and Nicole Kidman, is all in a day's work for Lucius, and in this podcast, he shares with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson some incredible stories about working with such film icons from the past and present. Lucius doesn't stop there and adds insights into how he pulls the essence from a film and makes its message globally relatable. This is a must listen for any cinephile.

Juliette Binoche talks with Futurespectives host Gabby Sanderson about getting into the character of the life of a truck driver in her latest movie ‘Paradise Highway'. The Academy Award winner also discusses her hunger as an actress to cross borders, why she still has an acting coach, and the reason expression is more important than the language when stepping into a role.

Futurespectives is the official podcast series of the Locarno Film Festival. In this audio forward host Gabby and her production team, Nik, Jules and Darryl, set up the premise of the show and give listeners a sneak peak into some of the huge stars that will be appearing in season one. The team also discuss what makes Locarno Film Festival so special, attracting cinephiles from all over the world.