Fog Of Truth

An Interview with Kossakovsky about his new film Architection. The discussion goes back to the begining of cinema and how sound changed cinema language, and why archetects should use stone instead of concrete. 

John and Bart discuss three Documentaries that played at the Dancing with Film Fest in LA. The films we cover are ONE BUT MANY, FOLSOM’S RUN, and I NEED YOU: 53 YEARS OF THE BAND AMERICA. While we agree on two of the films, John and Bart have very different perspectives about America, specifically the band, not the country.  

In this episode, Bart interviews Robert Petit about the documentary film "Underland." That showed at DC/DOX   Robert discusses the recent screening of the film at DC Docs, describing it as a unique cinematic and poetic documentary that explores the depths beneath the earth.    He shares insights into the film's production, the challenges faced by the filmmakers, and the process of casting the intriguing characters. Robert also highlights the importance of cinematography, sound design, and the team's collaborative efforts.    The episode concludes with Robert's thoughts on the distribution and the significance of viewing the film on large screens.  

Bart talks to Shareen Anderson Director Melanie Thompson Survivor, Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, Coalition Against Trafficking Women and Yasmin Vafa Human Rights Attorney and Executive Director, Rights4Girl about their film The RIght Track      Through the eyes of those who live it, this documentary spotlights the fight to end sex trafficking and human exploitation across North America. At its heart is the Survivor Model—a transformative approach that decriminalizes prostituted individuals while imposing strict penalties on pimps, traffickers, and sex buyers. Discover the courage it takes to escape “the life” on and off the track and the momentum needed to end sex trafficking for good. The Right Track is a must-watch for anyone invested in human dignity and justice.  

In a series of interviews with filmmakers showing work at DC/DOX, Bart talks to Alyssa Fedele and Zachary Fink about their new film "Any Problem is No Problem."

John Justina and Bart talk about the new documentary, the Age of Audio, By Shaun Michael Colon.

Bart interviews Kim A Snyder about her new film, "The Liberians," after its screening at the Dallas International FIlm Festival, where it won best Documentary.

John and Bart to talk to Anna Feder about the short films series Resistance of Vision  The brainchild of San Francisco IndieFest founder/director Jeff Ross, with veteran film curator, documentarian, and cinema exhibition consultant Anna Feder serving as the Director of Programming, the Resistance of Vision film festival kicks off with debut presentations across the country, with screenings taking place in locations on each coast, as well as the Midwest and the South.  The four short film programs/topics announced for the inaugural festival are Fight The Power (Racial Justice), Our Bodies, Our Choice (Gender and Reproductive Justice), This Is An Emergency (Environmental Justice), and Which Side Are You On? (Labor and Housing Justice).  Regarding the film selections for the groundbreaking film festival series’ debut, Feder said, “As so many people around the country look to find voice for their grave concerns due to actions taken by the current administration or make some kind of sense out of living within th

Bart and John talk to Alex Braverman about his film, "Thank You Veyr Much," about Andy Kaufman

John and Bart talk to Eva Aridjis Fuentes about her new film Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus, which is playing in selected theaters nationwide.  

Silent trees In this episode of The Fog of Truth, Bart interviews filmmaker Agnieszka Zwiefk, discussing her new film 'Silent Trees,' which won the Breakout Feature Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival. The film, available on Mubi, follows a young woman's resilience as she cares for her family in a refugee camp. Angelica shares her experiences meeting the protagonist, filming in challenging conditions, and incorporating animation based on the young woman's drawings. The conversation also touches on the fundraising process, the film's reception, and Angelica's future projects, including a forthcoming film about political divides in Poland. 00:59 Interview with Angelica: Silent Trees 02:36 Challenges and Filming Techniques 04:34 Animation and Visual Style 07:25 Funding and Distribution 09:43 Future Projects and Conclusion    

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

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. 

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 Implica

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

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

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 Tho

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

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

In this episode of The Fog of Truth podcast, host Bart Weiss discusses the documentary 'Water Wars' with its director and cinematographer, 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 challe