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.
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Natchez
01/08/2026
Natchez
and discusses their feature film Natchez. The story begins with a wedding invitation that sparks an exploration of how historic locations are utilized for modern purposes, leading to a road trip through the South and research into the antebellum era. Initial filming faced setbacks when access was denied by the board of a plantation, prompting a pivot to Natchez, Mississippi. The film focuses on Rev, an engaging character met during a tour, and the complex, often painful history of the South. The documentary, characterized by a visually striking style, aims to entertain while provoking thought on history, culture, and racism. It is set for theatrical release and a later broadcast on PBS.
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Fog of Truth: Ai Weiwei's Revolutionary Turandot
12/18/2025
Fog of Truth: Ai Weiwei's Revolutionary Turandot
In this episode of Fog of Truth, Bart, John, and guest Daphne Street, an opera aficionado, discuss the documentary about Ai Weiwei's modern adaptation of Puccini's last opera, 'Turandot.' They explore Weiwei's unique interpretation, which highlights feminism and political discourse, and the challenges faced during production, including COVID-19 disruptions and Weiwei's brief incarceration. The documentary offers detailed insights into the production's visual and symbolic layers, bridging the gap between traditional opera and modern audiences. Daphne highlights Weiwei's calm and solution-oriented approach amidst obstacles, showcasing his confidence and versatility as an artist. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest 00:37 Overview of the Documentary 01:24 Puccini's Last Opera: Turandot 03:28 I Weiwei's Unique Interpretation 04:52 The Visual Spectacle 10:21 The Impact of COVID-19 11:57 Art and Politics Intertwined 14:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections 18:42 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
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Commune
10/10/2025
Commune
Bart, John, and Justina Explor 'Commune': A Dive into the History and Ideals of Communal Living In this episode of 'Fog of Truth', the hosts delve into the movie 'Commune', a documentary made 20 years ago about a 40-year-old commune in Northern California. The film serves as a time capsule, exploring the lives of people who lived at Black Bear Ranch. The discussion explores the challenges and complexities of intentional communities, shares personal anecdotes from hosts who have lived in communes, and examines the impact of communal living on individuals' later lives. The episode also touches on the unique cultural and political context of the 60s and 70s, including how the commune's funding involved contributions from rock and roll musicians. The hosts discuss the relevance of the film in today's troubled times, the practicality of modern communes, and the documentary's anthropological significance. 00:00 Introduction to Fog of Truth 00:04 Overview of the Commune Documentary 01:29 Personal Connections to Commune Life 03:12 Challenges and Dynamics of Communal Living 04:16 Modern Reflections on Communal Living 06:35 Moral Dilemmas in the Commune 08:28 Archival Footage and Historical Context 09:49 Notable Stories and Personalities 13:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 18:06 Closing Remarks and Credits
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Torn
09/22/2025
Torn
The Fog of Truth Episode 101: Interview with Nim Shapira In the 101st episode of The Fog of Truth, Bart interviews filmmaker Nim Shapira about his new documentary, which chronicles the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the subsequent putting up and taking down of Photos of the hostages taken by Hamas,in New York City. Shapira discusses the emotional significance behind the posters put up by communities as a form of action and grief, the experiences of various individuals affected by the conflict, and the importance of empathy and dialogue. The film, shot in winter 2023, focuses on the social fabric of New York City and explores themes such as freedom of speech, diverse perspectives, and the importance of difficult conversations. Additionally, Shapira highlights the involvement of Israeli artists and shares some of the challenges faced during production. Introduction and Milestone Celebration Interview with Nim Shapira Begins Nim Shapira's Background and Initial Reactions The Documentary's Themes and Focus Artists Behind the Posters Challenges and Risks Faced Finding and Working with Documentary Subjects Emotional Anchors and Personal Stories Public Reactions and Social Impact Screenings and Audience Reactions Final Thoughts and How to Watch the Film
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Alan Govenar, and the making of " Voices in a Noisy World: the Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas"
09/15/2025
Alan Govenar, and the making of " Voices in a Noisy World: the Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas"
Alan Govenar, talks about his work over the year, including his organization Documentary Arts. He then goes through the jounney about making this new film about Jasper Texas.
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Architecton interview with Viktor Kossakovsky
08/04/2025
Architecton interview with Viktor Kossakovsky
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.
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Talking and Dancing with Doc
07/22/2025
Talking and Dancing with Doc
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.
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Underland with Robert Petit
06/23/2025
Underland with Robert Petit
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.
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The Right Track
06/17/2025
The Right Track
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.
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Any Problem is No Problem
06/16/2025
Any Problem is No Problem
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."
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The Age of Audio a pod about pods
06/03/2025
The Age of Audio a pod about pods
John Justina and Bart talk about the new documentary, the Age of Audio, By Shaun Michael Colon.
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The Liberians With Kim A Snyder
05/12/2025
The Liberians With Kim A Snyder
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.
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RESISTANCE OF VISION
05/04/2025
RESISTANCE OF VISION
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 this unprecedentedly frightening political climate, these films and film programs help to articulate that and start vital conversations we need to have to educate and inspire change.” Resistance of Vision is committed to showcasing stories of resilience and the fight for liberation that are often excluded by corporate-controlled exhibition channels.
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Thank You Very Much
05/02/2025
Thank You Very Much
Bart and John talk to Alex Braverman about his film, "Thank You Veyr Much," about Andy Kaufman
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Goodby Horses The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus
04/04/2025
Goodby Horses The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus
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.
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Silent Trees
03/01/2025
Silent Trees
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
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End of Year in docs 2024 John Justina and Bart, together in PERSON!
12/30/2024
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....
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Don't Fall in Love with Yourself
12/15/2024
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.
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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
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#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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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."
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TRUE CRIME
08/05/2023
TRUE CRIME
Bart Justina and John talk about true crime documraires edited by Zac Cousineau
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