Chloé Zhao Discusses Neurodivergence and Storytelling at London Film Festival

In a conversation at the London Film Festival on October 10th, 2025, acclaimed director Chloé Zhao discussed her creative process and the challenges of filmmaking. Zhao's latest historical drama 'Hamnet' had its European premiere at the festival the previous night, receiving an emotional response from the audience.

Zhao spoke about her passion for rediscovering older storytelling methods that have been forgotten in modern society. She believes the "language of ambiguity" is vital for the health of a society and that even in Hollywood, the film industry struggles to preserve this approach. Zhao acknowledged the difficulty of financing films that don't necessarily prioritize profits, but she remains committed to creating stories that resonate with her.

When asked about the impact of neurodivergence on her creativity, Zhao proudly stated that she considers it a "superpower." She believes everyone's brain is unique, and honoring one's individual needs can lead to the creation of worlds that are healthy for both the filmmaker and the audience.

Zhao's previous film 'Nomadland' won the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director in 2020, making her the first woman of color to win in the directing category. 'Hamnet' is her latest project, and it is set to receive a limited theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada starting November 27th, 2025, before expanding wide on December 12th.