The Fog of Truth: Close-Up on Documentaries

A podcast exploring the definition and boundaries of documentary cinema, as well as current releases within the genre.

Separated, interview with Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff 11/26/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/34151945

#Untruth The Psychology of Trumpism with Dan Partland 09/09/2024

#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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/32956132

Bad Press 08/26/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/32729927

The Present and Future of Docs in Theaters 07/08/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/32028642

The legacy of Morgan Spurlock, and Mitchell Block 06/05/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/31606842

Who is Stan Smith with an interview with Danny Lee 06/05/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/31489802

Water Wars with Mario Mattei 05/09/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/31224892

Oscar Nominated Docs 03/08/2024

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 /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/30284498

The Blind Eye Artist and Objects 01/09/2024

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. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/29397053

Sound of the Police 09/21/2023

Sound of the Police Justina, John and Bart review and discuss, Stanley Nelsons film The Sound of the Police. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/28090574

Docs we watch over and over again. 08/24/2023

Docs we watch over and over again. John Wildman, Justina Walford, and Bart Weiss talk about documentary films we watch over and over again. John discusses "Echo in the Caynon", and Justina discusses "Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control," and Bart talked about "Primary." /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/27831222

TRUE CRIME 08/05/2023

TRUE CRIME Bart Justina and John talk about true crime documraires edited by Zac Cousineau /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/27666510

Interview with Roddy Bogawa about Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd 07/13/2023

Interview with Roddy Bogawa about Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd Bart Interviews Roddy Bogawa, who tells the fascinating story of how this film came to be, and almost getting an interview with Daivd Bowie. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/27452790

Jack Has a Plan, Interview with Bradley Berman 06/08/2023

Jack Has a Plan, Interview with Bradley Berman After the joint review in the last Podcast, Bart interview the filmmaker Bradley Berman /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/27085224

Jack Has a Plan Joint Review Season 14 Episode 3 06/08/2023

Jack Has a Plan Joint Review Season 14 Episode 3 John Bart and Justina Review the Documentary Jack has a Plan. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/27079206

Pink Floyd X2 05/18/2023

Pink Floyd X2 Bart, Justina, and John talk about 2 new documentaries centering on Pink Floyd. The first is "Squaring the Circle (the story of hipgnosis)," a film by Anton Corbijn about the legendary company that made some of the most iconic album covers but started by working with Pink Floyd. The second, "Have you Got it Yet? The Story of Syd Barett and Pink Floyd," was made by one of the founders of Hipgnosis, Storm Thorgerson and Rody Bogawa. Storm started the film years ago and passed away in 2013. Bogawa picked it up and finished it. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/26876103

Women in the Front seat 05/04/2023

Women in the Front seat Bart Justina and John talk about the Documentary "Women in the Backseat" with Director Indy Saini and one of the Motorcyclists, Tiara Shipton. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/26746887

The Pez Outlaw Episode 104 04/20/2023

The Pez Outlaw Episode 104 John, Justina, and Bart talk about The Pez Outlaw, a documentary on Netflix This is a video episode! /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/26604591

sun/slam/sxsw/ox 04/10/2023

sun/slam/sxsw/ox Bart, Justina, and John do a video episode! They talk about films from Sundance, Slamdance, SXSW, and Oxford Film Festivals. And there are dogs. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/26492445

Episode 102 And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine 03/23/2023

Episode 102 And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine Interview with MAXEL DANIELSON & MAXIMILIEN VAN AERTRYCK, the director of "And the King said, What a Fantastic Machine, which premiered at Sundance. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/26290146

Episode 101! Nanook of the North 01/26/2023

Episode 101! Nanook of the North Bart Weiss and John Wildman go back to the early days of Documentary to celebrate the 101st episode of the Fog of Truth. John talks about the dogs! /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25732839

Season 13 Episode 6 (Our 100th Episode!) The Best docs of 2022 01/12/2023

Season 13 Episode 6 (Our 100th Episode!) The Best docs of 2022 For our 100th Episode, we bring you the Best Documentaries of 2020. We bring back one of the original hosts Christopher Llewellyn Reed, along with John Wildman and Bart Weiss. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25551576

Season 13 Episode 5 Queer for Fear 12/29/2022

Season 13 Episode 5 Queer for Fear Justina Walford, John Wildman, and Bart Weiss discuss the 4 part series "Queer for Fear" currently running on the shudder network. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25451970

Season 13 episode 4 Is That Black Enough for you? 12/15/2022

Season 13 episode 4 Is That Black Enough for you? Bart, Justina, and John review and discuss Elvis Mitchell's film "is that Black Enough for You?" /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25342485

Season 13 episode 3 The Subject is the Subject 12/08/2022

Season 13 episode 3 The Subject is the Subject Bart Interviews Margaret Ratliff, one of the subjects in and one of the producers of the film Subject. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25264371

Season 13 Episode 2 Theaters of War 11/21/2022

Season 13 Episode 2 Theaters of War Bart Interviers Roger Stahl, director of the Documentary Theaters of War If you've seen Top Gun or Transformers, you might suspect all that military machinery comes with strings attached. This influence is not limited to a handful of movies, though. A vast new trove of internal documents reveals that the Pentagon and CIA have doctored thousands of film and television scripts. Parting the curtains on this world, media professor Roger Stahl engages an array of other stunned scholars, frustrated veterans, PR insiders, and industry producers. He reveals in unsettling detail how the US military-industrial complex pushes a version of history that scrubs the screen of war crimes, corruption, criticism of the nuclear arsenal, racism, sexual assault, assassinations, and torture. From James Bond to Jack Ryan, Captain Marvel to Cake Boss, the creation of this other "cinematic universe" is one of the great PR coups of our time. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/25081251

Season 13 Episode 1- Not Depressing Docs 10/26/2022

Season 13 Episode 1- Not Depressing Docs Justina, John, and Bart try to cheer you up with NOT DEPRESSING DOCUMENTARIES. John talks about FINDING HER BEAT, Bart talks about CAT DADDIES and Justina Talks about BECOMING. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/24802683

Season 12 Episode 7 Moonage Daydream 09/24/2022

Season 12 Episode 7 Moonage Daydream Bart and John Discuss the Documentary experience that is Moonage Daydream. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/24478926

Season 12 Episode 6 LABOR! 09/03/2022

Season 12 Episode 6 LABOR! Justina and Bart talk about the role of labor in the past and the present and discuss films that deal with labor. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/24262293

Season 12 Episode 5 Abortion 06/30/2022

Season 12 Episode 5 Abortion John Justina and Bart DIscuss documentaries that deal with Abortion rights. /episode/index/show/fogoftruth/id/23585906

The Fog of Truth: Close-Up on Documentaries

TOPICS