Attending the Locarno Film Festival felt like stepping into a different world, one that highlighted the power of storytelling across diverse fields. Engaging with filmmakers, architects, medical students, and content creators from around the globe opened my eyes to the richness of human expression and storytelling beyond the bounds of academia.
Sharing my work on DNA and RNA origami was a surprisingly natural experience. The excitement and curiosity from others demonstrated that whether we are scientists or artists, we all have our own narratives to share, and it’s how we communicate them that fosters understanding. The festival wasn’t just about the work itself—it was about connecting, breaking down barriers, and exchanging ideas in a way that felt effortless.
What struck me most during the movie-watching experience was the personal nature of storytelling. Depending on one’s background, certain stories resonate more deeply than others. This made me realize the importance of diverse perspectives in the stories we tell and the media we consume. We need more voices at the table, especially from marginalized and vulnerable communities, to ensure a fair and inclusive conversation about the world we want to live in.
Watching films that addressed pressing issues like inequalities, women's rights, and armed conflicts brought this home. These stories evoke empathy and highlight the need for a more inclusive media landscape—one that reflects the experiences of all, not just a select few. This is as true in cinema as it is in science. Both disciplines strive to make sense of the world and contribute to societal progress.
The sense of community at the festival was also inspiring. The lines between art and science blurred, replaced by a shared passion for creativity and communication. At BaseCamp, participants were excited not only by our scientific work, such as our pipetting robots and DNA origami, but also by the creative ways we applied scientific tools—like using pipettes or grids to create art. It was a reminder that curiosity and creativity are universal, and when combined, they can lead to powerful collaborations.
This experience also made me reflect on how science, like art, is fundamentally about storytelling. As scientists, we uncover and share discoveries that can shape the future, and we have a responsibility to use our work to contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic world. Just as filmmakers use their craft to address societal challenges, scientists can use their research to influence real-world change.
In Locarno, I stepped out of my academic bubble and opened myself to new perspectives, and formed lasting friendships that I will always treasure. I left with a deeper understanding of how storytelling connects us, whether through art or science, and how both can inspire meaningful change. Science and art may seem worlds apart, but ultimately, they share a common goal: to explore the unknown and tell stories that matter.
Mai
Hi there! I’m currently a PhD student in Goepfrich's lab at Heidelberg University, where we explore the fascinating world of DNA/RNA origami and synthetic cell engineering. My journey has taken me from Vietnam to France, the USA, and now Germany, allowing me to experience diverse cultures and perspectives. This global adventure has nurtured my love for storytelling as a way to connect people and ideas.
In my research, I see myself as a bit of an artist. We’re working on building artificial cells from the bottom up, with complete freedom in choosing materials and imagining new forms of life. A big part of our work involves DNA and RNA origami, where we creatively fold these polymers into different shapes and functions—using them in ways distinct from how natural cells utilize them—very much like art. I’m passionate about blending art and science because they both tell compelling stories. Whether it’s the beauty of nature shaped by evolution or the marvels of technology created by humans, I find narrative and inspiration in both. My aim is to make scientific concepts both understandable and engaging through storytelling.
When I’m not in the lab, I love spending time in nature (my favorite outdoor art museum)—hiking, bouldering, and biking are some of my favorite activities. I also enjoy visiting art museums, watching films, and creating digital art. One of the highlights of my journey was tutoring adult students in France, which taught me how to communicate science in a relatable way. I’ve also dabbled in digital media, making YouTube videos and creating conceptual scientific figures to visually and engagingly explain scientific ideas. This experience showed me how powerful visual and auditory tools can be in making science accessible to everyone.
At the Locarno Film Festival’s BaseCamp Laboratory of Ideas, I’m excited to meet young, creative minds from around the world. I’m looking forward to discussing the Future of Survival, creating art together, and having fun while doing it. Whether we're talking about digital, environmental, or social survival, I’m ready for thought-provoking conversations and creative works.
Let’s bridge the gap between art and science, inspire collaboration and understanding, and create something wonderful together. See you in Locarno!
