The art of storytelling goes beyond mere words on a page. It is about breaking free from the limitations of our own perspectives and truly understanding others. Giancarlo Esposito, the executive producer and star of AMC’s “Parish,” highlighted this during Variety + Audible’s Cocktails and Conversations at Sundance. He emphasized the importance of thinking for oneself and connecting with diverse stories that are closer to us than we imagine.
Esposito was joined by other creative minds, including filmmaker Susanna Fogel, filmmaker Chiwetel Ejiofor, author and public speaker Alok Vaid-Menon, and Audible’s head of creative development, Kate Navin. Together, they discussed the significance of creative freedom in storytelling across different mediums.
Embracing Creativity and Challenging Boundaries
When asked what sparks their creativity, Alok Vaid-Menon stressed the need for artists to constantly outgrow their own stories. They encouraged artists to challenge the limiting belief of “I am” and explore new dimensions of their creativity. In a world that categorizes and expects allegiance, Vaid-Menon highlighted the importance of asserting one’s independence from societal projections.
Chiwetel Ejiofor resonated with this sentiment, expressing that he seeks projects that can transport him to uncharted territory. As an actor, he values the ability of storytelling to take him to new and unexplored places.
Mediums and Storytelling
Susanna Fogel, the director of the biopic “Winner,” shared her insights into selecting the appropriate medium for a story. She emphasized that some stories are best told through movies, allowing the audience to experience the entire journey in one sitting. By understanding the nature of a story, storytellers can choose the medium that resonates most effectively.
Comedy as a Tool for Empathy
The panelists also discussed the power of comedy in creating empathy. Alok Vaid-Menon sees comedy as a tool to solve big problems through silly solutions. They emphasized that comedy is a conscientious practice of being alive, as there is nothing more absurd than the human experience. Vaid-Menon shared their own experience of the comedy in being at Sundance in Utah and the contrast with the bathroom laws of the state.
Embracing Imperfections in Storytelling
In the world of art, imperfections are essential to telling a powerful story. Giancarlo Esposito encouraged embracing imperfections, recognizing that both storytellers and stories themselves are imperfect. Imperfections add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Watch the Full Conversation
To gain further insights into the conversation about freedom in storytelling, you can watch the full discussion. Visit F5 Magazine for the complete conversation and delve into the minds of these creative storytellers.
Source Link: Variety