DMF Episode 334 — Leif Bristow: Cultural Storytelling, Filmmaking & The Power of Empathy
About this episode
Justin Younts interviews Emmy-winning filmmaker Leif Bristow about cultural storytelling and the power of empathy in filmmaking.
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this full interview I sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker and producer Leif Bristow to explore storytelling, empathy, and the power of film to connect cultures. Leif shares his filmmaking journey from Toronto to Alaska and eventually into international film production , explaining how travel and diverse life experiences shaped his approach to storytelling. At the center of our conversation is his latest project, “Dancing Through the Shadow,” a film based on the book by his wife Agnes Bristow , which tells the story of a family struggling during the Chinese Cultural Revolution . In this episode we discuss: • The power of global storytelling in film • Adapting powerful books into movies • Directing actors and building authentic performances • The role of empathy in filmmaking • Cultural perspective in storytelling • The challenges filmmakers face today Leif also offers insights into working with actors, the importance of collaboration on set, and how filmmakers can create stories that resonate with audiences across cultures. This conversation highlights how film can bridge cultural divides…
More episodes of The DMF With Justin Younts
- DMF Episode 340 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 3): The Academy Finally Recognizes Casting Directors & What It Means for Film
- DMF Episode 339 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 2): Casting Wicked — Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo & Jeff Goldblum
- DMF Episode 338 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 1): From Acting to Directing to Casting & What Actors Get Wrong
- DMF Episode 336 — Brent Lindstrom: The Truth About AI in Filmmaking, Editing & Creative Storytelling
- DMF Episode 335 — Brent Lindstrom: Filmmaking Mistakes, Storytelling & The Business of Movies
- DMF Episode 333 — Leif Bristow (Part 2): The Dark Side of Hollywood & Why I Refuse to Glorify Violence
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