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The Fog of Truth: Close-Up on Documentaries

Christopher Llewellyn Reed and Bart Weiss

A podcast about documentaries

  • 51 minutes 43 seconds
    End of Year in docs 2024 John Justina and Bart, together in PERSON!

    In this special episode of 'The Fog of Truth', hosts Bart

    John and Justina discuss the current state and future of documentaries, while recording together in Dallas for the first time. They talk about the attendance and challenges at regional film festivals, the shift towards streaming, the types of documentaries that succeed, and the impact of socio-political climates on documentary viewership. The conversation also touches upon the role of publicists, the importance of eventizing documentary screenings, and the potential threats from political changes. Despite the challenges, they express hope for the future of documentaries and stress the need for communities to support and engage with documentary films.

    Introduction and ReunionWelcome to a very, very special episode of The Fog of Truth.... Discussing the State of DocumentariesWhat do you think about the year 2024 in documentary?... Audience Engagement and Festival AttendanceOh, John, let me ask you a question, since you brought up that you, um, work with a lot of regional.... Challenges in Documentary DistributionAnd all of that is absolutely true.... Impact of Social Media on Documentary ConsumptionI, I think what feeds that for me now is social media.... The Importance of Visual StorytellingWhen we get our dose of what's true from TikTok and social media and not from documentaries and, and, and that's context.... Diversity in Documentary ProductionI. Um, there's another kind of interesting thing to talk about in terms of, you know, the current state of documentary and there, there are, as anybody who judges at regional festivals, there are many, many, many, many documentaries at many different budget levels.... The Struggle of Selling Award-Winning FilmsLike, you know, archival footage and some sit down interviews and what have you, but how it was presented was, was slick and amazing.... The Importance of Entertainment Value in DocumentariesYou know, uh, uh, you know, and there, and there are other, but I think again, we are in a time where at the entertainment value, it's really the onus is on the filmmakers.... Opportunities for Women in Documentary FilmmakingAnd also, you know, as, as a woman, uh, in filmmaking, there is, uh, a danger here because the ratio of, uh, women filmmakers in narrative film is very low still.... The Future of Documentary: Engaging AudiencesAnd, and I think part of this, if we think about the future of documentary and if we want a future documentary is, is we have to learn how to get people excited about it.... Creating Events Around DocumentariesMore and more we're seeing, you know, that, that even with documentaries, you know, we talked about this in narrative films all the time, that you need to create an event.... The Role of Impact ProducersWell, and, and, and we're seeing more and more what we call impact producers.... Challenges in Documentary FundingSomething I, I wanna talk about this film called No Other Land, which is a film about, um, uh, it's a Palestinian who's whose, um, small town is being destroyed over and over again by the Israeli government in a really harsh and ugly, wet manner.... The Role of Regional Film FestivalsHere's an interesting thing also, is that this brings us around to something that, you know, I'm constantly, you know, singing out this, the, the, you know, the, the, this song of, um, the Business Benefit of the Regional Film Festival tour.... Hopes for the Future of DocumentariesUh, last year we all got exhausted and didn't wanna see anything at all....  
    30 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 23 seconds
    Don't Fall in Love with Yourself

    Justina Walford talks about the documentary Don't Fall in Love with Yourself with director Jon Nix and the film’s subject Justin Pearson. The film dives deep into the personal and professional life of Justin Pearson—from his punk rock roots in San Diego to his rise in the punk world to cult celebrity after appearing on Jerry Springer. Through gritty, never-before-seen VHS and Mini-DV footage, the documentary offers an unflinching look at a career built on controversy, passion, and a refusal to conform. Pearson opens up about the highs, lows, and the tragic moments that shaped him, while reflecting on a three-decade journey through one of the most influential, underground music scenes. 

    15 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 18 minutes 39 seconds
    Separated, interview with Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff
    The Fog of Truth: An Interview with Filmmakers of 'Separated' In this special episode of The Fog of Truth, Justina and Bart  interview Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff about their new film 'Separated,' set to air on MSNBC on December 7th. The film, adapted from Jacob Soboroff's book, includes explosive interviews and narrative vignettes that reveal the purpose behind immigration policies causing family separations. The discussion covers the genesis of the project, the emotional impact of the film, and the importance of its message in context to the Trump administration's policies. The filmmakers stress the ongoing relevance of the topic and the power of public opposition to enact change. The episode underscores the urgency of addressing immigration issues and the moral responsibilities that lie ahead. 00:00 Introduction to a Special Episode 00:08 Overview of the New Film 01:11 Interview with the Filmmakers 01:30 The Making of the Documentary 03:34 Themes and Messages 06:39 Current Relevance and Future Implications 08:55 Reflections and Final Thoughts 19:04 Call to Action and Conclusion 21:17 Closing Remarks and Credits  
    26 November 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 31 minutes 11 seconds
    #Untruth The Psychology of Trumpism with Dan Partland

    Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism with Dan Partland

    In this episode of The Fog of Truth, Bart welcomes Dan Partland, the producer and director of Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism. They discuss Trumpism's psychological underpinnings, its comparison to Partland's previous film Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump, and the broader implications of authoritarianism, disinformation, and oligarchy in today's society.

    Introduction

     

    About the Film 'Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism'

    Comparison with 'Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump'

    The Role of Disinformation and Authoritarianism

    And aside from that sense of the autocracy, there's that sense of misinformation and disinformation...

    Impact of Trump's Disinformation on Supporters

    Doc vs Narrative

    Dan’s experience with Al Masyles

    The Sixties and archival docs

    Storytelling in Documentary

    Moving the culture

    9 September 2024, 12:08 pm
  • 35 minutes 51 seconds
    Bad Press
    Fof of Truth: Bad Press and the Fight for Free Press In this episode of 'The Fog of Truth,' we delve into the documentary film 'Bad Press,' which highlights the significance of free press within Native American communities, specifically focusing on the Muscogee Creek Nation. The film’s directors, Rebecca Lansbury Baker and Joe Peeler share their journey of making the documentary and the challenges faced by Indigenous journalists.   Introduction to the Episode with clip from the film. Discussion on the Film 'Bad Press Meet the Directors The Importance of Free Press The Making of 'Bad Press" Challenges and Trust Building  Economic Implications Fundraising for the Film Editing and Storytelling Global Relevance of the Film Shooting and Editing Dynamics Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    26 August 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 43 seconds
    The Present and Future of Docs in Theaters
    The Future of Theatrical Distribution: Challenges and Adaptations In this episode, John Justina and Bart  discuss the evolving landscape of theatrical distribution, addressing the recent bankruptcies of Alamo Drafthouse theaters in Dallas and the acquisition of these theaters by Sony. They explore the broader implications for independent films and documentaries, the impact of corporate ownership on cinema culture, and the necessity for filmmakers to create unique, event-driven experiences to attract audiences. They also examine the challenges of promoting films in the digital age and the potential for documentaries to find new avenues for distribution beyond traditional theaters. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:08 The State of Theatrical Distribution 05:58 Challenges for Independent Films and Documentaries 09:12 The Future of Cinematic Experiences 11:08 The Role of Digital and AI in Filmmaking 13:15 The Evolution of Documentary Films 21:37 Case Studies and Real-World Examples 25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    8 July 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 12 seconds
    The legacy of Morgan Spurlock, and Mitchell Block
    Morgan Spurlock's Documentary Legacy In this episode of 'Fog of Truth,' the hosts discuss the impact and legacy of Morgan Spurlock, the influential filmmaker known for 'Supersize Me.' The episode explores Spurlock's unique approach to documentaries, marked by his performative style and integration of personal experience into his storytelling. The conversation covers the evolution of his career, the influence of his films on social media and performative investigative reporting, and specific works like 'Supersize Me 2.' Additionally, the hosts touch on Spurlock's personal challenges and the implications of his actions during the Me Too movement. The episode also honors the late Mitchell Block, another influential figure in documentary filmmaking. 00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:02 Morgan Spurlock's Impact on Filmmaking 03:09 Supersize Me: A Deep Dive 08:30 Supersize Me 2: Holy Chicken 14:36 Morgan Spurlock's Legacy and Controversies 18:12 Closing Remarks and Additional Tributes 21:09 Conclusion and Credits
    5 June 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 23 minutes
    Who is Stan Smith with an interview with Danny Lee
    Who is Stan Smith? A Journey Through Tennis, Fashion, and Legacy In this episode, John, Justina and Bart discusses the documentary film 'Who is Stan Smith?' which explores the life and legacy of tennis legend Stan Smith. Known for his peak achievements in the 60s and 70s, as well as his friendship with Arthur Ashe, Smith is also famously associated with the iconic Adidas Stan Smith tennis shoe. The film delves into his career, personal life, social impact, and enduring influence in fashion. The episode highlights the compelling narrative of his love story with wife Margie, and the broader cultural and historical contexts influencing tennis and civil rights. Additionally, insights from the film’s director, Danny Lee, reveal the meticulous process behind its creation, balancing archival footage with modern storytelling techniques. 00:00 The Timeless Appeal of Stan Smith Sneakers 01:02 Exploring the Legend: Who is Stan Smith? 01:38 The Cultural Impact and Fashion Icon Status of Stan Smith 02:06 Personal Insights and Reflections on Stan Smith 02:44 The Documentary's Exploration of Sports, Fashion, and Social Justice 10:14 Behind the Scenes: Making the Stan Smith Documentary with Danny Lee  20:12 Remembering Morgan Spurlock: A Documentary Pioneer 22:18 Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up
    5 June 2024, 1:07 am
  • 26 minutes 49 seconds
    Water Wars with Mario Mattei

    In this episode of The Fog of Truth podcast, host Bart Weiss discusses the documentary 'Water Wars' with its director, Mario Mattei.

    The documentary, which recently screened at the Dallas International Film Festival, delves into the complex issue of water rights in West Texas, depicting a struggle over the control and distribution of one of the most vital resources. Mattei shares insights into his dual role in the project, his creative process, and the importance of visual storytelling across various mediums.

    The conversation highlights the documentary's exploration of American freedom, property ownership, and the ethical dimensions of resource sharing. The film illustrates the legal battles faced by farmers and ranchers in Hudspeth County and the broader implications for water rights across Texas. Key characters, such as the Guitar family and Laura Lynch, are discussed, offering a glimpse into the deeply personal and community-wide impacts of the water wars.

     Mattei reflects on the challenges of presenting a balanced view of the conflict and the significance of water in human life. The episode sheds light on the engaging narrative and the collaborative effort behind the documentary, from pre-production to securing distribution.

     

    00:26 Welcome to The Fog of Truth Podcast

    00:37 Diving Deep with Director Mario Mattei

    01:29 The Art of Visual Storytelling

    03:10 Behind the Scenes of Water Wars

    05:35 The Essence of Water Wars: A Story of Conflict and Resource

    09:56 The Battle for Water Rights: Farmers vs. Ranchers

    15:22 Navigating Legal Waters: The Fight for Fairness

    18:17 The Heart of the Story: Laura Lynch's Emotional Journey

    23:04 The Future of Water Wars and What's Next for Mario Mattei

    26:09 Signing Off from The Fog of Truth

    9 May 2024, 12:09 pm
  • 25 minutes 53 seconds
    Oscar Nominated Docs
    Justina, Bart, and John are back! In this episode of 'The Fog of Truth', the hosts engage in a vibrant discussion about the Oscar-nominated short films. As they anticipate the Oscar celebration broadcast, they share their individual experiences and projects, including attending South by Southwest and working on book drafts. The debate opens with remarks on the absence of American-made documentaries in the best feature documentary category, celebrating international contributions instead. They meticulously review each short documentary nominee, providing insights into their themes, distribution, and impacts on audiences. The films discussed include 'The ABCs of Book Banning', 'The Barber of Little Rock', 'Island in Between', 'The Last Repair Shop', and 'Na, Nai and Wipo'. Special attention is given to the importance of storytelling, the role of major distributors in supporting short films, and the impact of these documentaries on real-world issues such as book banning, community banking, and cultural identities. The hosts express their favorites and speculate on potential Oscar winners, emphasizing the power of documentaries to frame pressing societal issues compellingly. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:51 Oscar Features and Controversies 01:35 Oscar Nominated Short Films: A Discussion 19:50 The ABCs of Book Banning: A Deep Dive 24:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    8 March 2024, 4:18 am
  • 28 minutes 6 seconds
    The Blind Eye Artist and Objects

    Bart and John talk about two documentaries that have been playing the festival circuit and are now available at home. Bart Interviews, and Ashwin Chaudhary director of The Blind Eye Artist and Vincent Liota director of Objects.

    9 January 2024, 12:00 pm
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