UC Santa Barbara (Audio)

Moderator Matt Ryan spoke with Maria Schrader about her film "I’m Your Man," which she directed and co-wrote and is now Germany’s submission for the international film category for the 2022 Academy Awards. The film focuses on Alma, a researcher who is chosen to test a humanoid robot named Tom, who is programmed to be the perfect partner for her. Schrader discussed the exciting and challenging aspects of writing such an unconventional romance story, as well as the process of directing lead actors Maren Eggert and Dan Stevens through the film’s comedic, intimate, and emotional scenes. In response to some questions from the audience, Schrader shared insights on themes of memory and anthropology throughout the film, as well as her own inspirations for filmmaking and screenwriting. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37681]

Destin Daniel Cretton, director and co-writer of Marvel’s Shang-Chi, answered questions about the film from moderator Matt Ryan. Cretton discussed a wide range of topics, including the casting of legendary actors Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh, as well as the intense physical training and emotionally complex performances required of cast members Simu Liu and Meng’er Zhang. He also talked about some of his favorite elements of the film, including the rich familial themes that drive the story. Cretton elaborated on the influences behind his decisions to incorporate complex ideas such as grief and the family dynamics of Asian households, and how these allowed for an unconventional relationship between the film’s hero and villain. He also commented on the importance of Asian representation in the film, and how important it was to portray realistic Asian and Asian American perspectives through its characters. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37683]

A panel consisting of UCSB faculty Lisa Parks, Jean Beaman, and France Winddance Twine discusses the sociological impacts of Netflix’s Lupin. Beaman and Twine dive into the show’s political relevance, handling of representation, and nuanced portrayal of Paris, all of which work to make the show such an effective critique of state power. Each guest brings their own unique background and specialization to contribute thoughtful perspectives on the global dimensions of the show’s political commentary. The discussions on race and representation are of key importance for this panel and make for an important conversation about the film and television industry in general. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37682]

Moderator Wendy Eley Jackson speaks with Gareth Crocker about his film-making process for the South African television show, Shadow. Crocker discusses various elements of the series, including his decision to shoot in his hometown of Johannesburg to lend authenticity to location, the process of collaborative writing with his friend and co-creator, seeking feedback from diverse voices to craft genuine characters, and acknowledging the room for growth. He also spoke on internet bandwidth issues in some parts of the country and the accessibility of Netflix. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37611]

Moderator Patrice Petro speaks with Scott Frank about the influence of German series Babylon Berlin on his own series, The Queen’s Gambit. Scott discusses multiple aspects of Babylon Berlin, including the score, location, plot structure, and production choices, which contributed to his appreciation of German history and television as well as influenced his own choices when making The Queen’s Gambit. Frank explores both the making of The Queen’s Gambit and his opinions on Babylon Berlin. He also comments on viewing habits in the modern era and whether the ability to watch episodes all in one sitting changes the way we experience television. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37629]

Moderator James McNamara speaks with writer Ben Power about his adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III for the BBC series, The Hollow Crown. Power discusses various elements of the series, commenting on the casting choices, which included actors of color and the political context of the series, which was developed during a visible rise of authoritarian figures in the United Kingdom. He also speaks on the challenges of adapting from Shakespeare and offers his perspective on what allowed the series to be engaging for audiences while still remaining true to Shakespeare’s vision. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37610]

Ilan Stavans of Amherst College, discusses The Seventh Heaven: Travels through Jewish Latin America (2020). In this travelogue, Stavans talks to families of the desaparecidos in Buenos Aires, to “Indian Jews,” and to people affiliated with neo-Nazi groups in Patagonia. He also visits Spain to understand the long-term effects of the Inquisition, the American Southwest habitat of “secret Jews,” and Israel, where immigrants from Latin America have reshaped the Jewish state. Series: "Taubman Symposia in Jewish Studies" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37322]