Get ready for a captivating conversation between two renowned filmmakers, Chloé Zhao and Hirokaza Kore-eda, as they discuss their craft and the future of their work. Zhao, the Oscar-winning director of 'Hamnet', reveals her plans to explore a new genre, but with a twist!
Zhao confesses that she's considering making a documentary, a bold move for someone who usually leans towards fiction. She admires the bravery of documentary filmmakers, but acknowledges the unique challenges it presents.
"Documentaries require a different kind of courage," she says. "It's a genre that often shines a light on marginalized communities, and I want to ensure I do it justice."
Zhao highlights the historical objectification of these communities in documentaries, a concern she wants to address in her work. She believes that by immersing herself in their lifestyles, she can capture the true beauty of America's landscapes and the people who call it home.
"The golden hour, or what we call 'god's light', is key to this," she explains. "It's a time when everything comes together, and you feel connected to something greater."
But here's where it gets controversial... Zhao questions whether she, as an outsider, can truly represent these communities accurately. It's a dilemma that many filmmakers face, and one that sparks an important discussion.
Despite these challenges, Zhao finds inspiration in Kore-eda's approach to filmmaking. She admires his ability to create intimate portraits of characters, focusing on the little details of life that often go unnoticed.
"Your films remind us of the comfort in daily rituals," she says to Kore-eda. "It's a perspective that cinema often overlooks."
Zhao shares how this attention to detail has helped her during difficult times, offering a sense of normalcy and comfort.
"Even in the craziest of times, doing the little things like making a sandwich or folding laundry can ground us," she explains. "It's a reminder that we're all human, and that's what connects us."
As the conversation turns to 'Hamnet', Zhao opens up about the challenges of finding the perfect ending. She describes a moment of inspiration, a song called 'On the Nature of Daylight' by Max Richter, that helped her find the emotional closure she was seeking.
"It was a moment of pure connection," she says. "I felt one with the world, and it helped me understand that love is eternal, it just transforms."
Kore-eda emphasizes the importance of experiencing 'Hamnet' communally, in a theater setting. He believes that sharing the film with others enhances the impact and creates a unique, shared memory.
"It's about the communal experience," he says. "Watching a film with others, sharing that moment, is something we should cherish."
Zhao agrees, adding that 'Hamnet' is about oneness and the dissolution of separation. It's a powerful message that resonates with both filmmakers.
As the conversation comes to a close, Zhao and Kore-eda reflect on their shared love for cinema and its ability to communicate what words often cannot.
"For me, filmmaking is a way to connect with the world," Zhao says. "It's a language that transcends boundaries."
Kore-eda nods in agreement, adding, "It's a never-ending journey, and I can't imagine stopping."
So, what do you think? Is documentary filmmaking a brave endeavor? Can outsiders accurately represent marginalized communities? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's continue this important discussion!
