Harnessing Soft Power
In an increasingly interconnected world, soft power has become a decisive force, particularly through storytelling. Narratives rooted in local experience yet capable of crossing cultural and geographic boundaries play a critical role in shaping understanding, empathy, and dialogue. Images and stories do more than inform, they influence perception, inspire action, and contribute to long term change. This session explores how visual and cinematic storytelling operates as soft power, and how creative ecosystems enable stories to move across borders.
The discussion brings together Glenn Gainor, a seasoned studio executive, producer, and CEO of Hollywood Ventures Group, whose career has focused on narrative as a vehicle for cultural exchange and connection. He is joined by Ayten Mirzoyeva of Vasconi Architects, whose architectural practice examines how physical space shapes experience, memory, and storytelling. Closing the panel is Bassam Alasad, a producer and industry leader whose work bridges regional film production, festival-driven creative collaboration, and sustainable practices in cinema.
Together, the speakers offer a multidisciplinary view on how stories are created, supported, and experienced across film, architecture, and cultural infrastructure, and how these narratives quietly influence perception far beyond their point of origin.
What you will take away:
• Insight into how storytelling functions as soft power in global film and built environments
• An understanding of how film production, architecture, and visual culture intersect to shape narratives
• Practical perspectives on the role of infrastructure, industry support, and sustainability in enabling impactful storytelling
Who this is for:
• Filmmakers, producers, and visual storytellers working with socially and culturally driven narratives
• Curators, cultural practitioners, and industry professionals interested in cross-border exchange
• Students and professionals exploring the relationship between storytelling, environment, and influence
- Duration 50 minutes
Date
- 30 Jan 2026
- Expired!
Time
- 16:00 - 17:00
Labels
- KEYNOTE,
- Panel Discussion
Location
Speakers
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Glenn GainorGlenn Gainor, a distinguished leader and innovator with thirty years of experience in the entertainment industry and has made it his life’s work to empower storytelling. He has held key production roles as Head of Physical Production at Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures and is a tenured member of the Hollywood community. Additionally, Gainor co-created an innovation studio for Sony and is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts, and Sciences. He is the recipient of Social Impact Producer of the Year award presented at Venice Film Festival.
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Ayten MirzoyevaAyten Mirzoyeva is a partner at Vasconi Architectes International and a cultural producer working across architecture, immersive storytelling, and film adjacent programming. Her experience spans the Venice Biennale and Venice Film Festival, UNESCO-backed initiatives, and collaborations that blend space, music, film, and digital art. With a producer-led approach to creative collaboration and cultural diplomacy, she brings a strong perspective on how visual storytelling operates within physical environments, festivals, and international cultural exchange, making her a relevant voice within Xposures panel discussions.
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Bassam AlasadBassam Alasad is a film and media professional working across development, production, and industry strategy, with a focus on culturally grounded stories designed for international audiences. His practice bridges filmmakers, institutions, and partners to support projects from concept to circulation. Alongside project work, he contributes to mentorship and professional dialogue, offering insight into storytelling, infrastructure, and sustainability. Alasad's perspective aligns film with cultural exchange, soft power, and long-term impact within the global screen landscape.
