In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor interviews acclaimed documentary filmmaker, writer, photographer, and cultural documentarian Alan Govenar—a storyteller with a 44-year career devoted to preserving overlooked American lives and histories.

The conversation centers on Govenar’s powerful film Quiet Voices in a Noisy World, which examines the struggle for change in Jasper, Texas, and the long shadow of racial violence on a community searching for truth, healing, and forward movement.

Govenaris the president of Documentary Arts, a nonprofit media production company. He and Christian explore what it means to document communities with integrity—earning trust, listening deeply, and building narratives that uplifts the voices of others.

Links:

Documentary Arts: Documentary Arts, Inc. > Home

Cigarette Blues: Cigarette Blues (Short 1985) ⭐ 6.8 | Short, Documentary

Stoney Knows How: Stoney Knows How (Short 1981) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary, Short

Truth In Photography: TRUTH IN PHOTOGRAPHY

Quiet Voices in A Noisy World: Quiet Voices in a Noisy World (2025) | Documentary , Quiet Voices in a Noisy World

DocuView Déjà Vu

“Night & Fog, 1956, 32 mins, French Short, Watch on HBO MAX, IMDB Link: Night and Fog (Short 1956) ⭐ 8.6 | Documentary, Short, History

Time Codes

00:00 — Meet Alan Govenar + why his work matters

02:49 — How Alan found documentary storytelling

05:26 — The evolution of documentary arts (film, photo, writing, music)

08:08 — Mentorship, networking, and learning the craft

10:48 — Distribution realities filmmakers don’t talk about enough

13:23 — Documentary arts as community impact

16:14 — Preserving African-American history in Texas

19:01 — Community, photography, and who gets seen

21:42 — Juneteenth, local history, and cultural memory

24:30 — Personal reflections on race and community

27:04 — Storytelling as cultural dialogue

30:11 — Upcoming projects + what’s next

34:03 — Jasper and the legacy of racial violence

40:13 — The art of documentary storytelling (craft + ethics)

41:51 — Hope and resilience as a creative engine

45:38 — The power of music in documentaries

51:06 — Community connection and cultural preservation

57:33 — DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendation

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

Susan Lacy—the iconic creator of PBS’s American Masters and one of the most influential voices in biographical documentary filmmaking joins us. From her early roots in journalism to building a landmark series that reshaped cultural storytelling on public television, Lacy shares the real behind-the-scenes truth of what it took to launch American Masters, fight for ambitious filmmaking, and evolve from producer to director.

Together, Christian and Susan dig into what makes a documentary last: deep research, emotional access, trust with subjects, and interviews that go beyond “good questions” to uncover the soul of a story. Lacy also reflects on being a woman leading at the highest levels of the industry, the power of mentorship, and how shifting economics—from the DVD era to today’s streaming landscape—have changed development, financing, and distribution.

If you care about documentary storytelling, PBS history, HBO documentaries, or how to direct intimate, character-driven films that preserve legacy and culture, this conversation is essential listening.

No DocuView Déjà Vu

Links: 

American Masters: American Masters (TV Series 1985– ) ⭐ 8.2 | Documentary, Biography, History

Pentimento Productions: HOME

Spielberg: Spielberg (TV Movie 2017) ⭐ 7.7 | Documentary, Biography

Billy Joel: And So It Goes: Billy Joel: And So It Goes (TV Mini Series 2025) ⭐ 8.6 | Documentary, Biography, Music

Episode 256 | HBO Max "Billy Joel And So It Goes" Interview with Executive Producer, Steve Cohen - Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6X33Wu3IPCczl0uL4SvN?si=cc53ba405c254126

Episode 264 | Billy Joel: Telling the Story Behind the Musician (with Jessica Levin): https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GRU4wDlnYa9cmXBAo3eKz?si=1d721c5270ed4a37

Time Codes

00:00 — Welcome + Susan Lacy Intro

05:38 — Journalism roots and learning the value of truth

08:55 — Breaking into PBS (Channel 13) and the art of public television

12:06 — Launching a cultural institution: American Masters in 1986

22:08 — HBO era + Directing Debut

32:16 — Billy Joel: And So It Goes Documentary

43:00 — Interview + Story Tips

57:12 — Final thoughts, American history

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor welcomes back Emmy-nominated director and producer Nicholas (Nick) Bruckman for his third visit to the show. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real world of documentary filmmaking—from getting into top festivals like Sundance and Tribeca, to navigating labs and markets, to landing a doc on Netflix.

Nick shares how his early narrative feature Valley of Saints got into Sundance off a “cold” submission, and how he’s since used programs like Gotham Week, Film Independent’s labs, and Tribeca’s Creators Market to build meaningful relationships with programmers and industry partners. He breaks down his rough-cut screening process (including Google forms and phone-watching “tells”) and explains why being radically open to feedback is one of the most powerful tools a filmmaker has.

Christian and Nick also dive into Minted: The Rise and Fall of the NFT, exploring why that film became Netflix’s “definitive” NFT documentary—and what that reveals about marketplace demands, cultural buzz, and why some critically acclaimed films (Not Going Quietly) still don’t land on major streamers.

The conversation then turns to Nick’s latest four-part docuseries, The Price of Milk, which premiered at Tribeca. Christian shares her strong personal reaction to the series, especially its portrayal of small family dairy farmers and the government “checkoff” program that was supposed to support them. Nick unpacks the hidden story behind the “Got Milk?” campaign, how money flows from farmers to industry groups, and why transparency, policy, and political engagement matter more than simply switching what’s in your grocery cart.

Finally, Nick reveals how Oatly helped fund The Price of Milk while still allowing full editorial independence—and offers practical advice for filmmakers on working with brands, nonprofits, and mission-aligned partners to get ambitious projects made and seen. He closes with a DocuView Déjà Vu recommendation: Secret Mall Apartment, a doc that not only tells a wild story but also models what’s possible with clever, independent distribution outside traditional gatekeepers.

Links:

Minted - on Netflix & Prime Video, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27548035/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Valley of Saints - on Prime Video, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2088967/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_3

Catapult Film Find: Catapult Film Fund

Gotham Week: Gotham Week

TriBeca X: Tribeca X

Peoples TV: People's Television

DocuView Déjà Vu

Secret Mall Apartment, 2024, 91 mins, Watch on Prime Video, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21221386/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_secret%2520mal

Time Codes

00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

03:31 Navigating Film Festivals

09:50 The Importance of Feedback in Filmmaking

16:04 Getting Projects on Netflix

21:58 Understanding Market Demands in Documentary Filmmaking

27:47 Exploring 'The Price of Milk'

34:13 The Role of Government in Dairy Industry

42:05 Funding Documentaries: A New Approach

47:13 Collaborating with Brands for Storytelling

54:06 Conclusion and Recommendations

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In this episode of Documentary First, Christian sits down with filmmaker Jessica Levin, co-director and producer of the Critics Choice Documentary Awards in the Best Music Documentary-nominated HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. Jessica shares what it was like to tell the story of Billy Joel—not just as a legendary musician, but as a human being full of depth, contradiction, humor, and heart.

Together, they explore the craft of music documentary filmmaking: how to build trust during intimate interviews, how to follow emotional truth rather than timeline, and how music itself can become the spine of a narrative. Jessica opens up about the collaborative process behind shaping the film’s nonlinear structure, as well as the responsibility that comes with telling a story about someone the world already feels like they know.

Whether you are a filmmaker, a musician, or someone whose life has ever been held by a song — this conversation is creative, heartfelt, and filled with insights about storytelling, memory, and what it means to truly listen. 

Links:

American Masters: American Masters (TV Series 1985– ) - Reference view - IMDb

Billy Joel: And So It Goes: Billy Joel: And So It Goes (TV Mini Series 2025) - Reference view - IMDb

Inventing David Geffen: "American Masters" Inventing David Geffen (TV Episode 2012) - Reference view - IMDb

Joni Mitchell: A Women of Heart and Mind: "American Masters" Joni Mitchell: A Woman of Heart and Mind (TV Episode 2003) - Reference view - IMDb

The Janes: The Janes (2022) - Reference view - IMDb

DocuView Déjà Vu

The Andy Warhol Diaries, 2022, Limited Series with 6 episodes, watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: The Andy Warhol Diaries (TV Mini Series 2022) - Reference view - IMDb

Time Codes

00:00 — Opening Reflections

02:54 — Early Relationships and Artistic Roots

05:31 — Balancing Myth and Humanity

08:19 — Creating Space for Vulnerability in Interviews

11:06 — Collaboration as Creative Strength

13:50 — Following Emotional Truth, Not Just Timeline

16:38 — How Personal Relationships Shape Art

19:15 — Challenges of Documenting a Cultural Icon

22:03 — Crafting a Nonlinear Story Structure

24:55 — The Reality of Producing a Major Music Documentary

27:42 — Audience Reaction and Cultural Memory

30:14 — Tracking Billy Joel’s Musical Influences

33:02 — What Makes His Music Resonant

36:46 — Lyrics as Self-Understanding

40:06 — Love, Loss, and the Songs Between

42:49 — Building Trust On and Off Camera

47:34 — Leadership in Storytelling

51:26 — Scoring the Emotional Arc

56:01 — Why Structure Matters

58:59 — Personal Growth Through Filmmaking

1:02:01 — Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In this episode of Documentary First, return guest filmmaker Elise Jaffe, first-time director of documentary project: UnScarred, and special guest, Stacie Rae Weir, a tattoo artist and breast-cancer previvor featured in the film join us!

UnScarred explores how survivors of trauma and illness—those living with scars from breast cancer, self-harm, and other life-altering experiences—reclaim their bodies and identities through the art of tattooing. Elise and Stacie share powerful personal stories of healing and transformation, and share what it takes to fund and finish an independent documentary in today’s filmmaking landscape.

Together, they unpack the real-world lessons behind UnScarred’s ongoing Kickstarter campaign. Stacie Rae also shares her journey from mastectomy to artistry—and how she’s now offering a personal tattoo session perk as part of one of the Kickstarter rewards to help bring this story to life.

This episode is not only an inspiring look at art, trauma, and recovery—it’s a practical, candid conversation every documentary filmmaker should hear.

Links:

Kickstarter:

UNSCARRED - Documentary Film

D-Word: The D-Word: the worldwide community of documentary professionals

Bri Castellini : Bri Castellini

Stacie-Rae: Home | Stacie-Rae | Calgary, AB

No DocuView Déjà Vu

Timecodes:

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to UnScarred

05:15 — The Origins of the Film: Inspiration During the Pandemic

10:27 — The Power of Tattoos in Healing and Identity

17:42 — Introducing Stacie Rae Weir: Artist, Survivor, and Healer

24:52 — From Mastectomy to Masterpiece: Stacie Rae’s Journey

29:51 — Tattoos as Therapy: The Collaboration Between Artist and Survivor

33:10 — The Art of Crowdfunding: Lessons for Independent Filmmakers

35:04 — Behind the Scenes of UnScarred’s Kickstarter Campaign

39:26 — The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding for Filmmakers

44:48 — Building Community Support for Independent Films

46:33 — Transformation Through Art & What’s Next for UnScarred

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In this episode of Documentary First, filmmaker Josh Roush opens up about his deeply personal journey creating the documentary Long Lonesome Highway, a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Michael Parks. Josh reflects on his friendship with Parks, the creative decisions behind the film, and the challenges of navigating distribution, budgeting, and fair use of archival footage.

The conversation dives into Parks’ multifaceted talent, his artistic integrity, and the lessons learned from a career defined by both triumph and adversity. Together, we explore how passion fuels storytelling, the power of documentaries to preserve legacies, and the importance of resilience in the face of obstacles.

This episode is not just about one film—it’s about what it takes to make art that matters.

Links:

Josh Roush Narrative Film - IMDB Link: Wrong Reasons (2022) - Reference view - IMDb

DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendation:

Burden of Dreams by Werner Herzog, 1982, 95 mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link: Burden of Dreams (1982) - Reference view - IMDb

Timecodes:

00:00 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors

09:25 Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking

10:20 The Influence of Michael Parks

11:31 Building a Unique Relationship

13:47 The Value of Listening to Elders

14:26 Uncovering Stories from the Past

16:40 The Genesis of a Documentary Idea

18:02 Family Dynamics in Storytelling

18:54 The Kevin Smith Connection

20:58 The Role of Fair Use in Documentary Filmmaking

25:46 The Use of Music and Soundtrack

28:02 Budgeting and Financial Realities of Filmmaking

29:29 Personal Reflections on Filmmaking

34:45 Lessons from Michael Parks' Life

41:02 Legacy and Impact of Michael

42:12 Documentary Recommendations and Insights

43:33 Teaser Video

44:18 Documentary First promo

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor opens up with heartfelt personal updates and reflections on the journey of documentary filmmaking. Fresh off a moving trip to Normandy, Christian is joined by team members Peyton Rabb and Todd Anderson to share stories, challenges, and unforgettable moments from the experience.

Together, they explore how veterans continue to impact younger generations, the role of gratitude in storytelling, and how filmmaking shapes not just the audience but the filmmakers themselves. From moments of humor and surprise to deeply emotional encounters with history, this episode captures the resilience, growth, and transformative power of telling true stories. 

Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/

Support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In Part 2 of our crossover with MovieRob Minute WWII veteran Ceo Bauer (95th Infantry Division, “Iron Men of Metz”) continues his powerful story. At 102 years old, Ceo reflects on forgiveness, receiving his Purple Heart, and returning decades later to the battlefields of Metz and Luxembourg.

He explains the mystery of WWII “invasion money,” shares how he first met Christian Taylor—sparking the journey that became The Girl Who Wore Freedom—and reads an unforgettable letter of gratitude written by French citizen Elizabeth Gosso for the 50th anniversary of Metz’s liberation.

This conversation captures Ceo’s humor, candor, and resilience, while reminding us why keeping these stories alive matters.

👉 Part 1 of this unforgettable conversation with Ceo is available on streaming platforms.

Documentary First Website, support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

Timecodes:

00:00 – Reflections on forgiveness and fellow soldiers

03:00 – Returning to Metz and finding Steele’s grave

06:00 – Receiving the Purple Heart after being wounded

10:00 – Transport, hospitals, and survival memories

15:00 – WWII “invasion money” explained

19:00 – How Christian and Ceo first met & The Girl Who Wore Freedom

34:00 – Ceo reads Elizabeth Gosso’s powerful French gratitude letter

42:00 – Passing on memory to the next generation

50:00 – Reflections on peace, Israel, and supporting allies

In this powerful crossover episode, Christian Taylor joins Rob of MovieRob Minute to introduce a very special guest: Ceo Bauer, a 102-year-old WWII veteran of the 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment, I Company—better known as the “Iron Men of Metz.”

Rob begins by asking Ceo about Saving Private Ryan: what he thought of its accuracy, whether it stirred memories, and how Hollywood compares to the realities of war. From there, Ceo opens up about his experiences in Normandy in 1944, his injury at Metz, and the reasons many veterans choose not to share their stories.

For one of the first times, Ceo speaks candidly about what it was like landing at Omaha Beach 100 days after D-Day, the sign that moved him to tears, and the symbolic “pump handle dance” he’s performed across the world. His reflections are raw, sometimes emotional, and always full of wisdom.

This episode also captures something unique: guests in the room listening in—reminding us that these conversations are not just about history, but about keeping memory alive for future generations.

👉 Tune in for Part 1 of this unforgettable conversation, and stay tuned for Part 2 where Ceo continues sharing stories of bravery, loss, and survival.

Documentary First Website, support us by buying merch or watching our films: https://documentaryfirst.com/

In Part 2 of this special Movie Rob Minute episode, Christian and Corey Johnson continue their conversation with Rob about Saving Private Ryan, diving into the intricacies of Corey's role on set, military bonds, and reflections on the powerful themes of Spielberg’s war epic.

From detailed behind-the-scenes tales to touching insights on military brotherhood and trauma bonding, this episode brings it all.

We explore how Corey's experiences on set—like working with dummies, blood bags, and Tom Hanks—compare to the real horrors of war. Plus, Christian shares her reflections on the connection between veterans’ war experiences and the power of storytelling in her documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom.

As the conversation shifts to film scores, we jump into Maestro Mondays to share our top 5 John Williams movie scores, dissecting what makes his compositions iconic and unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

•Corey shares how he worked with Tom Hanks on Saving Private Ryan, revealing behind-the-scenes moments that most viewers don’t know, such as the use of dummies and blood bags in the intense D-Day sequence.

•Christian and Corey dive into the concept of trauma bonding, drawing parallels between military camaraderie and the deep connections shared by actors on set.

•A fascinating discussion on the therapeutic impact of storytelling, both for veterans and filmmakers, and how film scores can evoke deep emotions tied to historical moments.

•In the Maestro Mondays segment, we break down our top 5 John Williams scores, exploring the enduring power of his music to transport audiences into the heart of a story.

Additional Information:

•The Girl Who Wore Freedom is available for viewing in the U.S. on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check out the trailer and learn more at thegirlwhoworefreedom.com.

•Be sure to listen to Part 3 of this conversation as we continue our analysis of Saving Private Ryan and dive deeper into more movie magic and historical stories.

In Part 2 of this powerful interview, Emmy-winning producer Steve Cohen reflects on his 50-year journey with Billy Joel and the collaborative heart behind the HBO documentary And So It Goes. A masterclass in storytelling, legacy, and the quiet strength of those behind the scenes.

DocuView Déjà Vu:

• The Kid Stays In The Picture, 2002, 93 mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link:The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002) ⭐ 7.3 | Documentary, Biography
• Sinatra: All or Nothing at All, 2015, TV Mini Series, Watch on Netflix, IMDS Link: Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (TV Mini Series 2015) ⭐ 8.0 | Documentary, Biography, Music
• David Foster: Off the Record, 2019, 106 mins, IMDB Link: David Foster: Off the Record (2019) ⭐ 7.0 | Documentary
• Leonard Bernstein Reaching for the Note, 1998, 117 mins, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0199708/

Chapters:

00:00 The Art of Storytelling Through Music

01:39 Steve Cohen: A Journey Through Lighting and Music

14:49 Expanding Horizons: From Lighting to Documentary Filmmaking

20:45 The Journey of Connection

22:51 The Essence of Struggle and Growth

26:00 Respecting the Audience

28:47 The Collaborative Spirit of Filmmaking

32:41 Reflections on Life and Relationships

34:53 The Legacy of Billy Joel

38:51 The Power of Documentary Storytelling

44:32 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

Sponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!