Xiaolu Guo: Migrant Voices in Literature and Film

Xiaolu Guo: Migrant Voices in Literature and Film

Author: Locarno Film Festival November 4, 2022 Duration: 27:51
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.

Hosted by Gabby Sanderson, Futurespectives is the official Locarno Film Festival podcast presented by UBS. It moves beyond standard red-carpet interviews to explore the deeper currents running through contemporary cinema. Each conversation with an illustrious guest-whether a celebrated actor like Matt Dillon or a rising star such as Daisy Edgar-Jones-feels like a candid, meandering talk after the credits have rolled. The discussions are less about promoting a specific project and more about uncovering the personal philosophies and untold stories that shape these artists and innovators. You’ll hear guests reflect on the search for purpose, the ongoing fight for equality and representation on screen, and how artistic expression can be a profound form of freedom. The tone is intimate and engaging, often funny, and always grounded in genuine curiosity. This podcast provides a unique auditory backstage pass, connecting the dots between the art on screen and the complex, inspiring individuals who create it. Tuning in offers a chance to gain new perspectives on the film industry's future, all through the thoughtful and personal lens of its most compelling voices.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 22

Futurespectives
Podcast Episodes
Gitanjali Rao: Expression in Animation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:45
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 Futurespective…
Markus Duffner: A New Cinephile Audience is Emerging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
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 20…
Aris Komporozos-Athanasiou: The Sociological Lens. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
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…
Kelly Reichardt: I Hope my Films Bring up Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:57
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-…
Stefano Knuchel: Life Will Push You To Some Conclusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:41
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 Futurespecti…
Michelle Serieux: The Resurgence of Caribbean Cinema [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:34
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 speci…
Costa-Gavras: Political Movies Are About People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:32
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 film…
Jason Blum: Why I Love The Uncomfortable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:25
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 pe…
Kevin B. Lee: The Future of Cinema, Culture & Society [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:06
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, m…
Kamal Aljafari: Many Palestinian Films and Artworks are Displaced [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:14
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 Kama…