Starting right here, right now, I’m kicking off a podcast that brings together film and fashion in a brand new way, where you'll find yourself sitting in the room with celebrities and artists, for some cozy conversations. Cultural events and world affairs decoded, from Cannes to Venice to London and across the pond, to NYC.
When I spoke to a friend recently about starting a podcast, she was very clear: You won’t make it, there are too many out there. Agreed. But none really take you into fashion and world events the way I could, since I’ve been attending film festivals and fashion weeks for at least the last fifteen years. Apologies, but I can’t remember beyond that.
So here I am, throwing my hat into the podcast arena, a novice, a baby really, especially when it comes to sound editing. I hope to get better and better with it and I’m sure eventually I’ll find my groove. But to kick off, I bring you an event near and dear to my heart: the DFI’s Qumra annual industry incubator.
So why start there, you may ask? Because nowhere in the world do I get such close access to world cinema personalities the way I do in Qatar, thanks to the Doha Film Institute. And out of that proximity and intimacy, I managed interviews with recent Brazilian Oscar winner Walter Salles, Malay filmmaker Lav Diaz and French-Iranian DoP Darius Khondji. And that’s just for the first part of the two-part Qumra podcast!
Listen in, listen up, take me, Walter, Lav and Darius with you on a walk, or on a bike ride, or even to the office, for those moments when you need inspiration. You’ll find loads of it from these Masters, like what Diaz does to feel better about the world each morning, and how Salles kept his stamina all through awards season, while promoting his multi-awards winning I’m Still Here. But also what first film Khondji remembers watching as a child. It’s fascinating, I told you.
Listen here or on Apple Podcasts or even on Spotify. And stay tuned for the second part to come soonest.
Top photo © Ammar Abd Rabbo, check out his work here.