
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
- Igor Bezinović on why his anti-war film arrived at just the right time · June 4, 2026 · 13 min
- 'Not just another sad story from Africa' Timeea Ahmed wants you to know Khartoum, Sudan · May 21, 2026 · 36 min
- Sara Wylie on why capitalism is the worst · May 7, 2026 · 28 min
- Durian and Decision-making with Solara Thanh Bình Đặng · April 23, 2026 · 34 min
- Nicole Bazuin on the Modern Whore · April 9, 2026 · 42 min
- Alison Reid wants you to put down your phone—and go on an adventure · April 2, 2026 · 36 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the VIFF Podcast podcast page.