This week on the Middle Earth Podcast, Aladin sits down over a pint with Sun Yao (孙遥), the proprietor of his favorite local cultural venue-cum-cafe, to talk about the business end of the cultural industry in China. Like the owners of many niche bars and cafes across China, Sun seeks to turn a profit at his hutong establishment, Camera Stylo, by screening films, hosting live events, and otherwise trying to make art pay.
A film buff and dedicated entrepreneur, Sun shares his four years of experience running a small business in the hutongs of Beijing trying to bring films and cultural conversations to his diverse clientele. In spite of a rough early start — some of which he spent sleeping in the cafe itself — Sun has managed to ensure Camera Stylo has been able to survive and thrive in a challenging environment.
Featuring:
Sun Yao: Proprietor | Camera Stylo
Camera Stylo WeChat Account: CameraStylo
And, as usual, your host, Aladin Farré.
Aladin’s LinkedIn | Aladin’s Twitter
Middle Earth is made by China Compass Productions. If you have a China-themed film project, please get in touch!
Recommended watching and listening:
Aotu Space 凹凸空间 | WeChat Account: aotuspace_bj
China Film Archive 中国电影资料馆 | Website
