'7 Beats Per Minute' Director Yuqi Kang on the arts of Free Diving and Filmmaking

01/30/25 • 25 min

In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk interviews filmmaker Yuqi Kang about her documentary 7 Beats Per Minute, which explores the world of free diving and the connection between humanity and nature.

Kang shares how a YouTube clip sparked her own free diving journey and led her to meet Jessea Lu, a prominent Chinese free diver who became the subject of her film. She reflects on the challenges of underwater cinematography, from unpredictable weather to capturing authentic moments beneath the surface, and the importance of adapting to nature’s elements.

Kang also discusses her transition from documentary to narrative filmmaking and how Vancouver's cultural and creative environment has influenced her work.

This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival.

This podcast is brought to you by the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Presented on the traditional and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

Kang also discusses her transition from documentary to narrative filmmaking and how Vancouver's cultural and creative environment has influenced her work.

This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival.

Previous Episode

Jerome Yoo explores grief and belonging in his debut feature 'Mongrels'

In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, feature film coordinator Natalie Murao interviews filmmaker Jerome Yoo about his debut feature film Mongrels, which follows a Korean immigrant family in rural Canada dealing with grief amid trying to belong in their new home country.

Yoo shares about how he found talent in Korea, his casting process, and the challenges of working with 14 dogs while shooting the film. Plus, they discuss the importance of natural emotions and incorporating traditional Korean instruments into the film's score.

This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival.

Next Episode

'Village Keeper' director Karen Chapman on telling "lived-in" stories through cinema

In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk speaks with filmmaker Karen Chapman about her narrative feature Village Keeper, which explores themes of trauma, grief, and economic disparity through the story of a Toronto single mother.

Chapman shares her desire to capture "lived-in" moments on screen, and how location plays a vital role in shaping character and story, highlighting the impact of class and economic realities on filmmaking.

Chapman reflects on the challenges of directing while eight-and-a-half months pregnant, the need for better industry support for mothers and underrepresented filmmakers, and the value of mentorship programs like the Canadian Film Centre and TIFF Talent Lab (which helped shape her career).

This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival.