As a seasoned journalist, I have attended numerous panels and conversations featuring some of the most influential figures in entertainment and pop culture. However, the recent Politics, Humor and Pop Culture Panel stands out as one of the most captivating and thought-provoking events I’ve ever attended.
At this year’s EbMaster & Rolling Stone’s Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+, I had the privilege of being part of an audience that values truth above all else. This event, meticulously curated by the editors of both EbMaster and Rolling Stone, gathered a stellar lineup of documentary filmmakers, political journalists, and champions for justice.
As a movie enthusiast, I recently found myself in a captivating discussion, where I was among esteemed political journalists like Abby Phillip, Yamiche Alcindor, Katy Tur, Tony Dokoupil, and Geoff Bennett. We delved into the intricacies of covering ex-President Donald Trump, shedding light on his realities and hypocrisies. CBS News President Susan Zirinsky graced us with her presence, adding valuable insights to our conversation, particularly about their documentary “We Will Dance Again.” The event culminated in a prestigious recognition for journalist E. Jean Carroll as the recipient of the Truth Seekers Award.
Below is a recap of the conversations from the Truth Seekers Summit.
Documentary Panel
A group of five prominent film documentarians came together to share their insights about the current state and future direction of their field. Alex Stapleton (“God Save Texas”, “How Music Got Free”), Rahman Ali Bugg (“Exposing Parchman,” “Welcome to Rap City”), Fisher Stevens (“Beckham”), Adam Bhala Lough (“Telemarketers”), and Lana Wilson (“Look Into My Eyes”) were part of a discussion, which was moderated by Variety‘s chief correspondent Daniel D’Addario.
The discussion began with D’Addario asking about the method filmmakers use to select their topics. In response, Wilson, who is currently working on a movie about psychics in New York City, said, “You need a vivid image in your mind that you’re chasing after, something substantial enough to keep you going for two or three years. It can’t be just straightforward.”
Stevens initially had no interest in creating a documentary about David Beckham, but as he delved deeper into the project and conversed with others, he found that “Beckham isn’t the person I thought he was.” This, according to him, is what makes an exceptional documentary.
The panelists discussed the concept of objectivity in movie-making, stating that it is neither achievable nor worthy of pursuit. Instead, the personal viewpoint of these filmmakers permeates their creations. In the case of “God Save Texas,” Stapleton, a fellow Texan, explained how the support from the community allowed her to share her own family story, asserting that it was their encouragement which granted her the permission to tell her tale.
“The story behind ‘Telemarketers’ is unique – it’s more like an unconventional family saga, ignited by an unusual incident experienced by Lough’s cousin in the past. Laughing about breaking the fourth wall, Lough explained, “We had to find a way to explain the old footage his cousin captured, so we decided to incorporate it into our project.” Bugg, on the other hand, shared his approach towards his subjects: “Being an emotional and open person, I flourish in my relationships with them. I can connect with people because I see similarities between us.” On a day dedicated to forging connections and honoring truth, these seasoned filmmakers truly stood out.”
Watch the full conversation above.
Trailblazers in Investigative Reporting
At a panel discussion led by Brenna Ehrlich from Rolling Stone, both John Walsh (host and executive producer) and his co-host son Callahan Walsh (also known as son), talked about the reemergence of “America’s Most Wanted” and their continuous work towards child protection and crime prevention.
The discussion ventured into the reasons behind their actions, the development of problem-solving methods related to crime, and their deep commitment to fairness – all stemming from the heartbreaking event of John’s son, Adam, passing away in 1981.
1. John explained how the internet has significantly altered their method, commenting, “The world seems a lot more compact for these individuals now,” emphasizing the program’s worldwide influence in apprehending fugitives. Callahan Walsh expressed a sense of pride in carrying on his father’s legacy, underscoring, “If Adam’s work is to continue, then it’s up to us to carry on the tune.”
Collectively, they highlighted the significant impact of public input on their achievements, with John Walsh expressing thoughts on the program’s enduring impact: “We apprehended over 1,200 individuals…more than any individual FBI agent or any FBI field office.” The group emphasized their steadfast dedication to justice and discussed the difficulties they faced in choosing cases to present on the show.
Watch the full conversation above.
Fireside Chat with Nancy Grace, Host, ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ and Founder/Publisher of CrimeOnline
Many view Nancy Grace as a matriarch in the realm of true crime. Originating from her role as a special prosecutor within the Georgia District Attorney’s office, she has since expanded her influence into a true crime dynasty through her media career, novels, “Crime Online” platform, and daily podcast titled “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.”
Grace had an engaging conversation with executive editor Tatiana Seigel from EbMaster, discussing her experiences in the realm of crime. Right off the bat, she expressed that she doesn’t categorize true crime as a genre. A tragic event in 1979 left its mark on her – her fiancé, Keith Griffin, was tragically murdered just before their wedding, which eventually led her to pursue a law degree.
Griffin’s untimely demise served as a stark reminder for her about the reality of true crime for its victims. As she put it, “For these individuals, it’s not a mere genre. It is their lived experience, filled with genuine hardship.” Grace shared this sentiment, having herself been a victim of crime. She recounted the somber feelings associated with attending funerals, testifying in court, and carrying the weight of truth. “I know what it means to stand at a gravesite, to face a jury, and to speak the unvarnished truth, knowing that one false step could alter someone’s life forever,” she said. “The excitement of justice being served is not what comes after; instead, it’s more like, ‘Alright, who’s next?'”
Watch the full conversation above.
Best Mashup – Politics, Humor, Pop Culture
The Upcoming EbMaster’s Mashup: Politics, Laughter, Pop Culture Discussion featured Amber Ruffin, Lewis Black, Alex Edelman, Charlamagne Tha God, and TV Critic Aramide Tinubu. In this engaging discussion that lasted for about 45 minutes, they covered a broad spectrum of topics including the ongoing unique Presidential election cycle, the role of comedians in addressing politics, and many other humorous subjects. The conversation was filled with insightful comments, memorable quotes, and plenty of laughter.
In the course of their conversation, the speakers shared insights on deciding which issues warranted a public response and the speed at which they presented those topics to their respective followers. Edelman commented that when crafting topical humor, one often ponders how it will hold up over time. Additionally, the Tony Award winner for “Just for Us” elaborated that as his popularity has grown, he’s become more cautious about what he chooses to express.
Over the past month, the political terrain has undergone a significant shift. As the panelists chuckled at the peculiar events unfolding within the nation, Charlamagne Tha God urged the crowd to remain vigilant. “It’s crucial for us to keep our attention fixed on the matters at hand and avoid being swept away by the atmosphere,” he advised.
Discussions in the Politics, Comedy, and Culture Panel ranged from comments on Ruffin’s cautiously managed social media for maintaining her mental wellness to Black’s observations about the rapid changes in the comedy landscape following President Biden’s announcement not to run again. This engaging conversation served as a snapshot of our current societal condition, showcasing our ongoing efforts to make sense of it all.
Watch the full conversation above.
True Crime Masters Tell All
As a movie enthusiast, I recently had the privilege of attending the True Crime Masters Tell All panel. This gathering brought together some of the most talented minds in documentary filmmaking, including Muta’Ali Muhammad (director of “MoivePass MoiveCrash”), Christian Hansen (cast member and executive producer of “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders”), Amara Cofer (host and co-creator of “Black Girl Gone”), Brian Knappenberger (director of “Trials of Gabriel Fernandez”), Andrew Jarecki (creator and executive producer of “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst Parts 1 & 2), and Geeta Gandbhir (director of “Born in Synanon”).
Producing a documentary often requires extensive time, and it can be challenging for the creator to avoid becoming emotionally invested. In contrast, hosting a podcast provides Cofer with some privacy. Nevertheless, she harbored concerns that listeners might concentrate more on her than the narratives of “Black Girl Gone.”
“Cofer shared that her husband suggested she appear on camera, but she’s been hesitant due to not wanting the focus to be on herself as the storyteller. She prefers for listeners to concentrate solely on the stories, not her. However, once one gains a following, people become curious about you and feel a connection to you, so finding a balance becomes essential.”
Watch the full conversation above.
Keynote Conversation with Filmmaker Alex Gibney: ‘Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos’
Renowned Oscar-winning documentary maker, Alex Gibney, recently had an engaging conversation with Rolling Stone’s Chief Executive Officer, Gus Wenner, discussing his illustrious career in filmmaking and his latest work, “Wise Guy,” which delves into the creation process of the hit TV series, “The Sopranos.”
Initially hesitant about creating a promotional piece for “The Sopranos” on HBO, Gibney found himself intrigued by the deeper themes of the iconic mob drama after discussing its origins with David Chase, the series creator and head writer.
It struck me as crucial to delve into the genesis of ‘The Sopranos’ at this moment. This is because when David was creating ‘The Sopranos’, it wasn’t a concept that network TV executives were interested in. However, they managed to bring this idea to life on the relatively new platform, HBO, rekindling the dialogue between filmmakers and viewers. I found this to be an intriguing tale, and as it turned out, the behind-the-scenes details only made it more captivating, including who was cast and other aspects of its production.
Watch the full conversation above.
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2024-08-16 20:18