Every now and then a story gets under your skin. When Susanne Meures first heard about underground techno raves taking place in the Iranian desert, she had no idea her interest would spark a five-year film project that would enable the international careers of DJs Anoosh Raki and Arash Shadram, a.k.a. Blade & Beard. She explains to Sarah how Raving Iran came to be, and describes the challenges of filming in an authoritarian state.
Q&A | Gaylene Preston on her year with Helen Clark
When Helen Clark ran for the post of UN Secretary-General in 2016, Gaylene Preston was by her side. The New Zealand filmmaker, who initially contacted Helen about documenting her life as the then-head of the UNDP, proved to have picked the perfect moment. NZ’s first elected woman Prime Minister was soon to announce her bid for the top role. My Year with Helen became an intriguing record of Helen’s campaign, executed while she continued to fulfil her UNDP duties.
Sarah checked in with Gaylene ahead of the film’s London screening on November 28.
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