“The stories that connect us all”: Joana Vicente, former CEO of two of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, Sundance and Toronto

In the inaugural episode of ‘The Heart & Hustle of Portugal’, host Tony Goncalves sits down with Joana Vicente, a notable figure in the independent film industry. Born in Macau to Portuguese parents who were both architects, Joana’s upbringing was marked by travel and cultural exploration. Joana’s parents’ adventurous spirit led them to live in various places, including Goa, India, Madeira, and Mozambique, before returning to Macau. Despite being raised outside of Portugal, Joana’s home life was steeped in Portuguese culture, with traditional food and language being integral parts of her childhood. This episode delves into Joana’s rich Portuguese heritage, her upbringing in a creative environment, and her impressive career trajectory, including her leadership roles at Sundance and Toronto film festivals. Joanna explores the role of film festivals, support for diverse narratives, and the potential growth of the Portuguese film industry, emphasising the importance of cultural identity and storytelling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.