In this episode of Editors on Editing, host Glenn Garland is joined by writer, director and editor Chloé Zhao and her editor, Alffonso Gonçalves, to discuss their collaboration on the film Hamnet. The film, inspired by historical and literary themes, is noted for its creative editing and directing approach, as well as its emotional resonance.

Zhao has written, directed and edited all of her films, including Songs My Brothers Taught Me, The Rider, Nomadland, for which she was nominated as an editor for the BAFTA, Eddie and Oscar. She won the Oscar for directing Eternals. Alffonso’s credits include Mildred Pierce for which he was nominated for the Eddie, Beasts Of The Southern Wild, True Detective, for which he was nominated for a primetime Emmy and won the Eddie, Carol, The Velvet Underground, for which he was co-nominated for the Eddie and, The Lost Daughter.

Their discussion reveals how Hamnet’s editing and directing choices serve not only to tell a historical story but to evoke universal themes of grief, memory, and artistic expression. A central theme of their conversation is the intentional use of long takes and minimal coverage to build tension within single frames.

“If you have that amount of life in the frame and then it holds, there’s no need to cut,” Alfonso said. “Because as soon as you cut, it sort of breaks your thought process.”

Zhao mentioned that this approach stems from her editor’s mindset influencing her directing, ensuring efficient, purposeful shooting that balances artistic daring with practical constraints.

Thanks again to ACE for partnering with us on this podcast, check out their website for more.

Thanks also to Focus Features, and Hamnet for helping to make this podcast happen.

Want to see more interviews from Glenn? Check out “Editors on Editing” here.

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