[ENG] Ep. 52 Danny Wu - Bringing Chengdu Culture into Oscar-qualified film

In this episode, we are honoured to host the talented film director Danny Wu. Born in 1996 in Chengdu, China, and now based in Canada, Danny is best known for directing the acclaimed film "American: An Odyssey to 1947," which was featured on Jonathan Rosenbaum’s list of "Best films of 2022."

In this insightful conversation, Danny sheds light on his journey as a minority director striving to carve out a space in the predominantly Caucasian film industry. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities he faces, and how his immigration background from Chengdu has profoundly influenced his filmmaking. Danny’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of diverse perspectives in the world of cinema.

Tune in to hear Danny Wu's inspiring journey and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that shape his work. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform to help more people discover these compelling stories.

 

1:01 A little bit about the film

5:50 How did Danny get the support he needed for this film?

14:50 His goal was to premier the film at the oscar-qualified festival

19:00 Having luck was important, but not just all luck

20:40 How did the “Chengdu culture” attribute to his filmmaking?

32:40 What’s the biggest challenge for his career advancement?

39:40 Turning passion into a career? And how to pivot your passion?

44:10 Advice to give to aspiring filmmakers

48:37 The favorite film of the director

50:35 What’s next big thing?