The Power of Ideas + Empathy: How They Combine to Create Lasting Impact Disrupting Innovation

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Elliot Kotek, an Australian producer, filmmaker, and photographer. Elliot has had a fascinating career, starting out as a mergers and acquisitions/biotech lawyer in Australia and New York before making the switch to the film industry.We dive into Elliot's experience producing powerful and impactful documentaries, including "Black Boys," which addresses the dehumanization of Black males in America, and "Little Miss Sumo," which tells the story of female sumo wrestlers in Japan. Elliot shares the challenges and rewards of producing documentaries that tackle difficult topics and the importance of using film to bring attention to social issues.We also discuss Elliot's journey from law to film and the skills he was able to transfer from his legal background to his work in the film industry. Elliot shares his insights on the value of diverse perspectives in filmmaking, and how the film industry can work to better support underrepresented voices.Overall, this conversation offers a unique glimpse into the world of documentary filmmaking and the important role it plays in raising awareness and promoting social change.