Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin on community and Vancouver's avoidance culture

Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin on community and Vancouver's avoidance culture

From VIFF Podcast by Vancouver International Film Festival

March 19, 2026 · 45 min · Season 4 · Episode 7

About this episode

Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin discuss their film A Welcome Distraction, exploring themes of community and social isolation in Vancouver.

In a city plagued by social isolation, Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin found a story to tell. In their film, A Welcome Distraction, lead character, Ernest, looks for answers amidst grief and heartbreak in this unapologetic portrayal of how disconnected Vancouver can be. Soon, he becomes entangled with a wellness enclave led by a charismatic leader (Adriana Marchand). A true ensemble film, A Welcome Distraction showcases the pursuit of community, as told by a friend group itself. Long...

People in this episode

Guests: Brian Daniel Johnson, Dide Su Bilgin

Topics covered

  • community
  • social isolation
  • film
  • disconnection
  • wellness
  • grief
  • friendship

Keywords

  • Vancouver
  • A Welcome Distraction
  • community
  • social isolation
  • film
  • grief
  • wellness
  • disconnection

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A Welcome Distraction

Places: Vancouver

More episodes of VIFF Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the VIFF Podcast podcast page.