Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia was a featured guest at MIA for a conversation moderated by Marco Spagnoli, Head of Doc Content, focusing on his creative journey and the evolution of contemporary documentary filmmaking.
Director of Senna, Amy and Diego Maradona, Kapadia discussed his approach to filmmaking, highlighting the fundamental role of editing in shaping storytelling and narrative pace — essential elements in creating an emotional connection with the audience.
Speaking about the making of his documentaries, he explained how, in the absence of a screenplay, he created a short film to define the style and atmosphere he wanted to convey in the project. This work subsequently enabled him to secure the necessary funding. The story then took shape through the selection of its most significant moments.
Kapadia also highlighted how the language of documentary filmmaking has evolved over time, while the ability to tell real-life stories through creative choices that engage and move audiences remains at its core.
Photo Credits: ©2026 MIA — Courtesy of MIA
