Intersecting Realms: Where Storytellers Converge (in Beijing)

      Greetings, esteemed reader. It’s your faithful writer here, and you might have pondered: Where does she draw inspiration for her blog entries? Primarily from my passions, and I make a concerted effort to stay updated on local happenings. Who are the trendsetters, and what are they creating? Opportunities are plentiful in Beijing, which is why I have a fondness for the new and innovative.

      That being said, I thoroughly enjoy reconnecting with past subjects. Our personal narratives are continually evolving, and long after my blog entries are published, people persist with their own endeavors and ambitions. Today offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends! Last October, I had the privilege of interviewing the renowned storyteller and traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor Lethan Candlish, prompted by an otherwise tragic event. Those who attended the subsequent charity event will surely remember his one-man show, “Who Am I, Again?”, which poignantly examined identity and recovery following a TBI. And if you didn’t catch it, don't worry! In recent months, Lethan has teamed up with film director and producer Nathan Williams on Telling, an upcoming film adaptation of his distinctive journey and mission in life. The project requires community support to flourish – more details on that later – and Lethan will once again bring his show to the stage at Fun Young Bar in Beixinqiao on Sunday, March 23, at 3 pm. After the performance, Nathan will share insights into the behind-the-scenes process in a live Q&A session. I also want to mention that March is TBI Awareness Month, making this launch even more timely.

      I anticipate this will be an extraordinary event, and thus, I had the chance to sit down with Nathan and Lethan to discuss the convergence of storytelling and filmmaking, the obstacles creatives encounter, and more. Read our conversation below and don’t miss out on Sunday’s event! Your support can significantly impact this valuable initiative.

      Hello to both of you! Delighted to have you here, let’s dive right into my initial question for Nathan. I’d love to hear more about your background as a filmmaker – the themes that appear in your work, if any, and your cinematic approach. When did your connection to Beijing begin, and how did you meet Lethan?

      NW: Hello, it’s a pleasure to speak with the Beijinger today. I bring over twenty years of filmmaking experience, largely in documentaries and factual media. In my teenage years, I was fascinated by noir films and aspired to be the next Quentin Tarantino or Alfred Hitchcock. As I matured, I faced the necessity of establishing a sustainable career, which ultimately led me to find greater success in documentary filmmaking.

      A significant portion of my career in the UK before moving to China involved working with a charity-oriented media, creating a series of community-driven films. I must admit that working in the so-called "third sector" – non-governmental and non-profit organizations such as charities and voluntary groups – was never my original goal. However, it did allow me to refine my craft and empower those I collaborated with to enhance their skills. I was working closely with individuals sharing their own stories, using film as a medium to convey impactful messages. In this light, I feel that this new film about Lethan’s narrative is a return to my roots. Beyond the already remarkable primary message of his performance, the show resonated with me because I saw an engaging story that could be transformed into a film, which in turn could support Lethan’s mission. Like most filmmakers, I am constantly on the lookout for compelling stories to share. “Who Am I, Again?” met every criterion on my list.

      You two seem like a great pairing. Do you have anything to add, Lethan?

      LC: Nathan and I were introduced through a mutual friend, but our true connection emerged when he attended a performance of “Who Am I, Again?” As he mentioned, the show inspired him, and I was equally excited to discuss his innovative ideas for collaborating on this piece to create what we believe will be a unique film experience. Following our discussions, Nathan took the lead in assembling a team of artistic producers who are contributing to his vision, and I’m eager to see how his film concept develops into reality. The project is flourishing beautifully.

      I imagine so! How does Telling complement and enrich your existing work?

      LC: The storytelling aspect is undoubtedly deepened by Nathan’s overarching perspective, which incorporates various ideas and philosophies I’ve explored in my book Who Am I Now? Using Storytelling to Accept and Appreciate Self-Identity after Traumatic Brain Injury. New layers of meaning have emerged in the narrative, which initially focused on TBI survival and a renewed understanding of self-identity following trauma. Nathan’s film has broadened that lens to encompass my personal journey of discovering storytelling as a recovery tool post-trauma — a truly valuable

Other articles