This Cultural Life

Over six decades, Ken Loach has forged a reputation as Britain's foremost politically engaged film-maker, exploring issues of social justice, freedom and power. He has twice won the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival, in 2006 for The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and twenty years later, for I, Daniel Blake, a contemporary British story about unemployment and poverty.

Ken talks to John Wilson about the key moments in his life that helped shaped his creativity. From his Midlands childhood as the son of a factory worker and annual summer holidays in Blackpool to his love for Czech cinema, which would become a huge inspiration on his own career. He also discusses his films for television such as Up the Junction and Cathy Come Home, which tackled abortion, unemployment and homelessness, and were each seen by more than 10 million people, while playing an influential part in the public debate about the issues.

Ken Loach also chooses, as a major influence on his work, the real lives of ordinary people, whose stories have inspired his films throughout his career.

John Wilson talks to award-wining author Margaret Atwood about the experiences that shaped her writing.

Actor Whoopi Goldberg reveals the most important influences and experiences that shaped her own creativity.

TV writer and director Sally Wainwright talks to John Wilson about her formative cultural influences.