DMF Episode 332 — Leif Bristow (Part 1): Global Storytelling, Empathy & The Power of Film

About this episode

Justin Younts interviews Emmy-winning filmmaker Leif Bristow about global storytelling and the power of empathy in film.

Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker and producer Leif Bristow for Part 1 of our conversation on global storytelling, film production, and the power of empathy in cinema. Leif shares his filmmaking journey — from Toronto to Alaska and eventually to Hollywood — producing over 40 films across networks including Hallmark and HBO. His work spans genres and international locations, giving him a unique perspective on how storytelling can connect audiences across cultures. In this discussion, we explore: Producing films for Hallmark and HBO International film production Travel and cultural storytelling Building empathy through cinema Global perspectives in filmmaking The responsibility of filmmakers to audiences Leif also discusses his latest project, “Dancing Through the Shadow,” based on the book by his wife, Agnes Bristow, and how the film aims to resonate emotionally while highlighting shared human experiences across cultures. This episode highlights how film can foster dialogue, bridge cultural divides, and remind us of our global interconnectedness — both as storytellers and as…

People in this episode

Host: Justin Younts

Guest: Leif Bristow

Topics covered

• global storytelling
• film production
• empathy in cinema
• cultural storytelling
• international film
• filmmaking journey

Keywords

• filmmaking
• empathy
• cultural connection
• film production
• Hallmark
• HBO
• Dancing Through the Shadow
• Leif Bristow

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hallmark, HBO

Books & works: Dancing Through the Shadow

Places: Toronto, Alaska, Hollywood

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