Visionaries

Akinola Davies Jr is a British-Nigerian filmmaker whose debut feature made history as the first Nigerian film ever selected to premiere in Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival — earning a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or and later becoming the UK’s Oscar entry. In this episode of Visionaries, we sat down to discuss how Akin’s work is constantly weaving worlds and the creative faith it takes to make something that hasn’t been done before.Visionaries with Alice Aedy Producer - Chloe Puttock Art Director - Liliana Saldanha Director - Issey Rider Camera Operator - Stephan Knight + Sam Mulvey Lighting - Al Rice Editor - Tom Forsey + Paolina Stefani Colour Grade - Jasper Brown Music by Jon HopkinsListen → http://bit.ly/3J7tRpL Follow → www.instagram.com/visionaries Learn More → www.wearevisionaries.co

Es Devlin is one of the world’s most visionary artists and stage designers - the creative mind behind some of the most iconic cultural moments of our time, from Beyoncé and Adele’s performances to the London Olympics and Conference of the Trees at COP26 in Glasgow.In this episode of Visionaries, Alice Aedy sits down with Es to explore the imagination as a tool for connection and change. They discuss how awe can shift behaviour more than fear, what it means to design for both human and non-human audiences, and how art can help us see, and build, a more hopeful future. This episode is brought you by MPB, who make it easy for storytellers to buy, sell or trade camera gear. Find your next camera at ⁠⁠MPB⁠.⁠Follow ⁠⁠⁠@visionaries⁠⁠⁠ on InstagramWatch on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Sophie Darlington, an award-winning wildlife cinematographer with over 30 years of experience creating iconic nature documentaries, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses the importance of mentorship and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Sophie dives into the emotional realities of filming nature in crisis and the impact of AI on wildlife storytelling. She also reflects on her experiences balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the nuances of digital versus film production, and the ethics of wildlife filmmaking.

Misan Harriman, a self-taught photographer and activist, shares how a powerful image he captured during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest transformed his life, making him the first Black male photographer for British Vogue. He discusses the responsibility of representation in art and how childhood experiences with racism shaped his perspective. Misan emphasizes the emotional power of storytelling, connecting global struggles from Black liberation to environmental issues, while highlighting the importance of empathy in photography.

Lynsey Addario, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, shares her harrowing experiences capturing global conflicts and humanitarian crises. She recounts surviving kidnappings and close calls, including a nail-biting near-death moment in Ukraine. Balancing her challenging career with motherhood, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection in her work. Lynsey reflects on the power of her femininity in the field and discusses the shifting landscape of journalism, all while advocating for truth-telling amidst polarized narratives.

Alice Aedy encourages photographers to embrace a cinematic approach to their craft, suggesting that every photo should tell a deeper story. She emphasizes the transformative power of imagery and how it can immerse viewers in new experiences. Additionally, there's a nod to the innovative music of Jon Hopkins, enhancing the visionary storytelling atmosphere. This engaging conversation sets the stage for exploring how creative minds are reshaping our perceptions of the world.