Ai Weiwei Exclusive Interview: Working with Hollywood—Remotely
The artist discusses what it's like to direct a new short film for the "Cities of Love" series set in Berlin—from Beijing.
Ai Weiwei directs a scene in Berlin remotely from his desk in Beijing for his new short film in Berlin, I Love You. (Ai Weiwei Studio)
Ai Weiwei directs a scene in Berlin remotely from his desk in Beijing for his new short film in Berlin, I Love You. (Ai Weiwei Studio)
Contents
- You're directing a segment for the latest installment in the “Cities of Love" film series, which will take place in Berlin. What details, if any, can you share with us about the plot and characters?
- How has your own personal experience affected the direction of the segment?
- What is it like to direct a film exclusively over Skype?
- Are there any major challenges?
- Your son will be playing himself in the film. How did you explain the purpose of the project to him?
- Will you be acting in it as well? Why or why not?
- Even though you can't leave the country, you've worked on other major projects remotely such as your @Large: Ai Weiwei at Alcatraz and the Serpentine pavilion in London with Herzog and de Meuron. In this day and age, what are the ways in which technology can overcome political restrictions? What are technology's limitations in this regard?
- How does the Chinese government respond to your involvement in these international projects?
- What do you think the reaction to this film will be in China?
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