Episodes
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Legendary filmmaker Ernest Dickerson joins host Elliot Bloom for a compelling journey through his remarkable career. From his early love of sci-fi and fascination with the practical elements of filmmaking to meeting long-time collaborator Spike Lee on his first day of film school, Dickerson reflects on the defining moments that have influenced his work. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of cinema, he discusses his pivotal role in shaping Black American cinema over the last 40 years and the stories behind the making of his iconic films. In a candid conversation, Dickerson also reveals the unexpected path that led him to make a feature film about Curaçao.
Show Notes and Films Mentioned
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Fresh off winning the Dutch Film Critics’ Choice Award at the Netherlands Film Festival, LAB111 resident filmmaker Jeroen Houben joins host Kiriko Mechanicus to discuss his bittersweet, offbeat drama Torch Song. The film tells the story of an eccentric former pop singer who reconnects with her estranged half-brother in the Netherlands, only to unravel his life when she discovers a muse in his girlfriend. Houben delves into his aim to craft a raw, nuanced portrayal of a struggling artist, sidestepping tired clichés, while offering a fresh perspective on Amsterdam through the eyes of an international community. He also reflects on composing the film’s songs in tandem with the script, his fascination with musicals, and a formative (and unsettling) childhood memory of an animated dog. A bold tribute to the power of music and storytelling, this episode offers an illuminating look into the creation of a film where ambition and emotion collide.
Book tickets to Torch Song @ LAB111
Book tickets to CC Film Club: Juice
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A fearless voice against systemic injustice, Raoul Peck has crafted a body of work that interrogates the legacies of colonialism, racism, and power with unflinching clarity. In this episode, Peck joins our producer Elliot to discuss his latest film, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, an intimate exploration of South Africa’s first apartheid-era photographer. Reflecting on Cole’s haunting images, Peck draws striking parallels between apartheid South Africa, modern systems of segregation, and the enduring consequences for those displaced.
Peck’s films stand as a testament to the radical potential of cinema to confront, reimagine, and connect the world’s entrenched narratives. He leaves us with a powerful reminder: “The world will be what each one of us lets it be. If we don’t act, our inaction will shape the future.”
Book tickets to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found
Book tickets to The Raoul Peck Collection
Book tickets to CC Film Club: Juice
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This year, vampires emerge from the shadows once more with Robert Eggers’ haunting reimagining of Nosferatu. But why does the vampire continue to linger in our cultural imagination?
In this episode, hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms embark on a cinematic journey through the dark, blood-soaked history of vampires and night stalkers. From terrifying symbols of society’s deepest fears to complex, oddly relatable figures, they explore how these creatures of the night have evolved. What began as a reflection of our anxieties has transformed into a mirror of our own desires, struggles, and yearnings.
Join them as they unravel the vampire’s enduring appeal and ask: are these bloodsuckers misunderstood souls searching for something deeper than just human blood?
Tune in—if you dare—and uncover why these creatures of the night refuse to let go.
Get tickets to Lust For Blood program
Get tickets to CC Film Club: Juice
Listen to our conversation with Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke
Show Notes and Films Mentioned
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In a village under constant threat of displacement, where homes and schools are torn down and the land is slowly seized, how does one resist? For Basel, the camera is a weapon in the fight to preserve his community of Masafer Yatta. No Other Land is an unflinching documentary of settler violence, created by two Palestinians and two Israeli filmmakers. What they capture is undeniable.
On this episode of Celebrating Cinema, Basel and Yuval join Elliot for a powerful conversation about living under separate laws of the same state. They discuss their role as storytellers, connecting the fractured pieces of this crime, and uncovering the emotional truth behind life under occupation. Through their lenses, they expose Israeli state policies fuelling land grabs and illegal occupation, while underscoring the urgent need to document and bear witness.
Book tickets to No Other Land
Book tickets CC Film Club: Juice
Book tickets to The Raoul Peck Collection
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To mark the release of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, a 40-year passion project with a staggering $120 million price tag, we turn our attention to cinema’s most audacious, eccentric, and underappreciated visions — the “ugly ducklings” that, against all odds, have found their place in the cultural canon. This episode explores the daring, often misunderstood passion projects of filmmakers who, like Coppola, have risked everything to bring their boldest dreams to the screen.
From extravagant failures to cult masterpieces, we examine why cinema desperately needs these fearless auteurs, willing to gamble their careers and fortunes for the sake of their art. We also delve into the curious phenomenon of these “megalomaniac” films — why it often takes decades for them to be properly appreciated, and how audiences can learn to embrace even the most challenging works, regardless of whether they “succeed” on traditional terms. Through these cinematic oddities, we celebrate the vital necessity of creative ambition, the glory of artistic missteps, and the long road to recognition that only the most daring films must travel.
Book tickets to Megalopolis @ LAB111
Book tickets to Hugo's Megalomania Program
Show Notes and Films Mentioned
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When 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Republic of Benin) would finally be returned from France, filmmaker Mati Diop was granted rare access to document this historic moment. Dahomey, Mati's deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary, is the result of that access—a cinematic meditation that not only chronicles the repatriation of these artefacts but also imagines the voices of the objects themselves while focusing on the emotional responses of the Beninese people.
Building on the genre-defying spirit of her debut Atlantiques, Mati uses this personal and collective journey as a lens to explore the themes of return, restitution, and memory. Again weaving together fiction and reality in search of deeper truths. In conversation with host Elliot, Mati reflects on the making of Dahomey, the cultural significance of the treasures' homecoming, and the profound, ongoing relationship between history, identity, and filmmaking.
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Trigger warning: Please be advised that this episode includes discussions about sexual violence.
In this powerful episode, host Elliot sits down with Shiori Ito to discuss her film debut, Black Box Diaries. The documentary is a firsthand account of Shiori’s harrowing experience of sexual violence by media mogul Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a man with ties to Japan’s political elite, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Shiori’s decision to speak out in a culture where sexual assault is often silenced sparked a movement that resonated far beyond her personal story.
Through Shiori's unwavering resolve, Black Box Diaries critiques Japan’s archaic laws surrounding sexual violence, which often leave survivors with little recourse for justice. The film transcends its role as an exposé, offering a deeply personal narrative of trauma, healing, and resilience. Shiori's journey of reclaiming her voice and confronting systemic patriarchy underscores the power of solidarity in the pursuit of truth.
In this intimate conversation, Shiori reflects on the emotional toll of her fight, the necessity of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence, and the broader societal forces that shield perpetrators from accountability. Join us for a discussion on courage, justice, and the transformative power of speaking out.
Book tickets to Black Box Diaries
Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart
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In Kneecap, Rich Peppiatt delivers a raw and politically charged origin story about JJ, a Belfast teacher, and two self-proclaimed "low-life scum," Naoise and Liam, who form the first Irish-speaking hip-hop group. The film is a powerful act of cultural resistance, celebrating the revitalization of the Irish language through music.
Peppiatt discusses with our host Elliot the film’s roots in Belfast's rich, turbulent history and the creative process that unfolded over many drinks with the Kneecap group. This conversation explores the film’s personal and political layers, focusing on the vital importance of storytelling in preserving language and identity.
Book tickets to Kneecap
Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart
Show Notes and Films Mentioned
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Join us for a cinematic road trip through the films of visionary director Wim Wenders, whose work has redefined cinematic storytelling. In conjunction with the LAB111 program Drifters and Dreamers: The Films of Wim Wenders and the stunning 4K restoration of Paris, Texas (1984), Tom Ooms and Elliot Bloom explore the recurring themes of transience, memory, and the search for meaning that define Wenders' expansive body of work.
Known for his haunting cinematography (often crafted by Dutch cinematographer Robby Müller) and his deeply humanistic perspective, Wenders’ films are both personal reflections and universal meditations on existence. We’ll examine his recurring motif of the traveler—whether an angel, filmmaker, or pilgrim—navigating between real and imagined worlds.
From the fractured narrative of Paris, Texas to the contemplative Perfect Days (2023), we delve into how Wenders transcends genre boundaries, using the road movie to create a unique cinematic language that speaks directly to the soul. Whether revisiting his classics or discovering his work for the first time, this episode offers an essential guide to Wim Wenders’ vision—why his films may not be for everyone, but are undeniably worth experiencing.
Book tickets to The Films of Wim Wenders
Book tickets to Master of Light: Robby Müller
Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart
Show Notes and Films Mentioned
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Following a packed-out CC Film Club screening of Knight Of Cups, host Hugo chats with Tom van der Linden, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Like Stories Of Old, to explore this often-overlooked masterpiece by Terrence Malick. Like Stories Of Old combines media analysis with personal reflection in emotive video essays, offering viewers a fresh perspective on cinema. With millions of views, Tom inspires us to engage with films in new and meaningful ways. Whether you're a fan of Knight Of Cups or new to Malick's work, this discussion highlights the art of looking and how we can appreciate cinema on a deeper level. Discover more about Malick’s unique creative process in the making of this film.
Check out Like Stories Of Old channel
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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Visionary director Tarsem Singh joins Kiriko to reflect on The Fall (2006), once dubbed by the filmmaker himself as “the most expensive passion project” until Megalopolis. A film nearly derailed by Harvey Weinstein, The Fall has since been reclaimed by a dedicated fanbase, championed by figures like Roger Ebert. Now with a stunning 4K restoration, this cult classic is ripe for rediscovery—an ode to the enduring power of storytelling. Seventeen years in the making, spanning 27 countries, the film captures breathtaking beauty—both human and natural—in a visual tapestry unlike any other. Tarsem shares the challenges of realizing such an ambitious project, from shooting in remote, inaccessible locations to the personal motivation behind this pursuit.
Special thanks to MUBI for arranging this interview.
Book tickets to The Fall @ LAB111
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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Crafted on a shoestring budget, Kevin Boitelle's feature debut, Trip-Tych, serves as both a film about the art of filmmaking and a reflection on the creative struggle inherent in the process. In conversation with host Kiriko, Kevin reminisces about his formative film experiences and his early collaborations with friends, emphasizing his desire to preserve the joy of collective creativity. This audacious comedic satire offers a piercing glimpse into the Dutch film industry, where Kevin champions the need for filmmakers to embrace boldness and surprise, both in narrative and approach. Join us as we explore the intersection of passion and artistry, celebrating a work that challenges conventions and invigorates the discourse around independent cinema.
Book tickets to CC Film Club: Knight of Cups
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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There is nothing as hypnotizing than the larger-than-life women that we see on the screen—captivating, outrageous, and irresistibly seductive. Join us as we celebrate some of cinema’s most iconic female archetypes, from the bold ladies who are both excessive and exciting to the enigmatic witches who cast their spell through exaggerated feminine mannerisms. To coincide with the "Girls of Plenty" program now running at LAB111 and the release of her illuminating essay Liggend Naakt, film journalist and curator Basje Boer guides us through the magic of femininity in film. Together, we’ll delve into the performances of some of the founding mothers of exaggerated female stereotypes, revealing how playing out a gender role is nothing more than a really great performance.
Get a copy of Basje Boer's Liggend Naakt
Book tickets to Girls of Plenty @ LAB111
Book tickets to CC Film Club: Knight of Cups
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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Fresh off her feature debut opening the Netherlands Film Festival, one of LAB111's resident filmmakers Laura Hermanides joins Hugo to discuss Witte Flits—a project that began as a documentary but evolved into a striking fictional narrative. The film tackles the complex, timely debate surrounding euthanasia, particularly in cases of unbearable psychological sufferings. Inspired by a real-life story, Laura examines whether the theory survives the reality, focusing largely on the profound challenge parents face in overcoming their love to set their child free of pain. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the film's journey—from working with a 700-page journal written by the father and forming a lasting friendship with the mother, to developing a distinctive cinematic language. Laura reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling in uncertain times.
Get your tickets for Witte Flits @ LAB111.
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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Orson Welles stands as a visionary filmmaker, a notorious showman, and an enigmatic storyteller who blurred the lines between fact and fiction. In this episode, Tom and Elliot dive deep into the life and legend of one of America's most celebrated yet elusive filmmakers, exploring the enduring allure of his work. As we celebrate the re-releases of The Third Man and F for Fake here at LAB111, we unravel the layers of myth Welles wove around himself—always performing, always crafting his narrative. Was he ever telling the truth, or was it all part of his grand act? Listen to a fascinating journey into the complex mind of the man who redefined American cinema, leaving behind a legacy as compelling and mysterious as his films.
Book your tickets for The Third Man @ LAB111
Book your tickets for F For Fake @ LAB111
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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After his 1980s collaboration with legendary filmmaker Michael Powell on a documentary chronicling Powell’s career, director David Hinton knew the story was only half told. Now, Hinton returns with the complete portrait of The Archers, Britain’s visionary filmmaking duo, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. In this episode, Hinton sits down with host Elliot to reveal why only Martin Scorsese could narrate the intertwined lives of these cinematic icons, the enduring magic of Powell & Pressburger's films, and how their partnership—rooted in friendship and migration—redefined British cinema. This documentary isn’t just a tribute, it’s a celebration of how two kindred spirits shaped the art of film forever.
Book your tickets for Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger @ LAB111
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the acclaimed stop-motion epic Coraline, Laura Gommans had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Henry Selick about his illustrious career and lifelong love for cinema. From scary tales at Aunt Lib's house to being terrified by the cyclops in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Henry reveals the origins of his eerie yet tender storytelling style. His obsession with stop-motion animation has not only pushed the boundaries of filmmaking but also reimagined what children's narratives can be. Henry passionately explains why it's crucial for children to experience a touch of fear in films, believing it helps them navigate and understand the complexities of the world.
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
Book your tickets for Coraline @ LAB111
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From screwball comedies to the golden age of 90s and early 00s romcoms, our love for romance remains strong. In this episode, entertainment journalist Laura Gommans joins us to discuss our favorite romantic comedies and what makes them so special. What appears to be a straightforward genre leads us to question whether the familiar clichés define a romcom or if there's more to it. As our values of love and romance have evolved, it seems the essence of romcoms has stagnated. Could the decline of mid-budget movies be a factor? Despite shifts in the industry, the audience's appetite for love stories will never fade. So, what does the future hold for romantic comedies?
Book tickets to When Harry Met Sally @ LAB111
Show Notes & Films Mentioned
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Lukas Moodysson shares with Hugo his experiences of making Fucking Åmål, how a story close to his heart has taken on a life of its own and evolved into a queer classic. Reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, the Swedish director discusses his career and the recurring themes at the core of his films: rebellion, loneliness, sincerity, and humor.
Get your tickets for Fucking Åmål @ LAB111.
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