Director Asif Kapadia talks documentaries, BAFTA, and his career

14 Jun 2017

10 mins
Asif Kapadia interview with Ceyda
Asif Kapadia interview with Ceyda

As part of BAFTA's 70th anniversary celebrations throughout 2017, we sat down with British director Asif Kapadia, director of such acclaimed films as Senna and Amy, and who was a recipient of BAFTA's Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer Award back in 2002 for his film The Warrior.

Speaking to our young reporter Ceyda, Kapadia spoke at length about his own career, the practise of filmmaking in general - in particular with regards to the documentaries he's become known for - and reveals how BAFTA have helped him in his career, before offering his own advice to those that might be looking to follow in his footsteps.

When you're starting out, I think it's important to try a bit of everything. Don't try and specialise too soon... It's good to have knowledge of the whole process of making a film.

Asif Kapadia, Director

As part of our International Music Day celebrations, we're hosting a series of free music-themed screenings - including Kapadia's Amy - across the UK on 21 June. We're also hosting a very special event in Manchester on 3 July, which will see a screening of Amy followed by a Q&A session with Asif Kapadia himself.

Visit our Events page to view all of the events, or click below to secure your place at the screening plus Q&A in Manchester.

Director Asif Kapadia talks filmmaking

In the interview below, Kapadia speaks about many aspects of his filmmaking, discussing the defining moments he experienced whilst working on his documentaries Senna and Amy, why he decided to make documentaries without talking head interviews, and how film helped him personally understand the world around him.

Director Asif Kapadia discusses his career

In this interview, Kapadia talks about his first day on the set of his first film, The Warrior, and coming to realise that he didn't always have the answers; reveals how film impacted him growing up and talks about how BAFTA have been involved in shaping his career and how he came to break into what felt like a club that wasn't for him. He also offers his advice to young people on whether to stay versatile or specialise in a field when starting out on their own filmmaking career.

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