Futurespectives

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.