Profiles: Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón and US musician Joanna Newsom

Carla Simón, born on 29 December 1986 in Barcelona, Catalonia, is a Spanish film director and screenwriter. She gained international recognition with her debut feature Summer 1993, which won the Best First Feature Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Her 2022 drama Alcarràs won the Golden Bear at the 72nd Berlin festival, marking the first time a Catalan filmmaker received the prize. Simón’s upcoming project is the film Romería.

Joanna Newsom, born on 18 January 1982 in Nevada City, California, is an American singer‑songwriter, harpist and composer. She is noted for her distinctive vocal style and intricate harp work, releasing acclaimed albums such as The Milk‑Eyed Mender, Ys, Have One on Me and Divers. In addition to her music career, Newsom has appeared in the TV series Portlandia and the film Inherent Vice.