
Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin on community and Vancouver's avoidance culture
In a city plagued by social isolation, Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin found a story to tell. In their film, A Welcome Distraction, lead character, Ernest, looks for answers amidst grief and heartbreak in this unapologetic portrayal of how disconnected Vancouver can be. Soon, he becomes entangled with a wellness enclave led by a charismatic leader (Adriana Marchand).
A true ensemble film, A Welcome Distraction showcases the pursuit of community, as told by a friend group itself. Longtime collaborators, Johnson and Bilgin, met in film school at UBC. Over the years, they cultivated a…
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