What's Up with Docs Podcast

Special Episode - "The Gambler" - BIPOC & Co-conspirator Liberation within the Doc Industry - An Informal Conversation

Usually, after recording a podcast episode, Ranell and I would quickly say goodbye to our guests so we could get on with Saturday afternoon activities. We stayed in the Zoom room for over an hour when we recorded our episode with Jennifer Crystal Chien. When listening back, I realized the richness of the conversation. Jennifer has a unique theory of change regarding correcting systemic wrongs and harms that BIPOCs and true coconspirators in the documentary community experience.  Whi...

Episode 40 - Episode 40 - Jennifer Crystal Chien - “Keep On Keeping On"

In this episode, I speak with filmmaker, mentor, activist, and co-founder of Re-Present Media, Jennifer Crystal Chien. During our conversation, we chatted about how she got into docs, her commitment to advocacy, and the field-building and changing work at Re-Present Media. Jennifer's theory of change for the field is rooted in liberation and the spirit of the song she picked for this week’s episode by the late great Curtis Mayfield, “Keep On Keeping On.”

Episode 39 - Marion Schmidt - “Freedom”

WuWD@ DOK Leipzig 2021 - Jihan El Tahri - “Jihan & Toni Talk Archives”

During this conversation, I speak with the filmmaker, archivist, and the artistic director of Dox Box, Jihan El Tahri about the manifesto, “Liberate the Image.” The manifesto was a call to action to make archives more accessible to content creators living in the Global South. During the conversation we discussed: Archival preservation of assets of those who are part of the Global Majority Who gets to monetize archives and when does monetization make access to historical assets proh...

WuWD@ DOK Leipzig 2021 - Mariam Ghani - “Preserving History During Times of Conflict”

We recognize that war, conflict, and occupation often bring destruction not only to physical bodies but to the histories, archives, and cultural identities of the people impacted. During this conversation, I spoke with artist, writer, filmmaker, and teacher Mariam Ghani about her latest project What We Left Unfinished which is executive produced by Alysa Nahamis. We discussed the necessity and importance of rediscovering history that was previously thought to be lost as well as the u...

Episode 38 - Jacquil Constant - “That's How I Knew”

In this episode, I speak with a friend, filmmaker, and professor, Jacquil Constant. During our conversation, we chat about our time working on Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race, BADWest, and his documentary short, Haiti is a Nation of Artists. We also talk about his Haitian heritage and the festival he founded which is now in its seventh year, the Haiti International Film Festival - how he started it and how it has grown even during the past few pandemic yea...

Episode 37 - Scott Calonico & Sandy Wieding - “C’est Si Bon”

In this episode, I speak with film director Scott Calonico and archival researcher and producer Sandy Weeding. During our conversation, we chat about our first meeting at the Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival, Sandy’s experiences of Berlin before the wall came down, unique German archives, and their latest documentary short, Catwoman vs. the White House. The film which will screen on The New Yorker website for Black History Month celebrates a little-known moment in history when Eart...

Episode 36 - Emma Francis Snyder - “Pa’lante” & “Que Bonita Bandera”

In the first full episode of 2022, I chat with the filmmaker and activist Emma Francis-Snyder about her Oscar-shortlisted short Takeover! We talk about her journey as a white person and the obligation to uncover and celebrate these hidden histories and all things Takeover! Including the history of the Young Lords, her many interactions with journalist and Democracy Now! co-host Juan Gonzalez. This week’s episode has not one but two songs! The resistance anthem “Pa’lante” by Hurray fo...

Past Guest Roundup

Episode 35 - Laura van Halsema - “Chelas City”

In this episode, we continue our celebration of the 2021 edition of IDFA as I chat with the Senior Programmer of the festival, Laura van Halsema. We talk about how she got into docs, her nearly 20 years with IDFA, and take a deep dive into the unConscious Bias Focus program at the festival this year. The song for this episode is from the film Chelas Nha Kha which is part of the unConscious Bias strand and is entitled “Chelas City,” music by Bataclan 1950 and lyrics by Baguera, Islu, ...

Episode 34 - Mostafa Youssef - “Hello Sunshine”

In this episode, I speak with the film director & co-founder of Seen Films, Mostafa Youssef. We chat about his near lifelong love of film, the entertainment industry in Egypt and its impact throughout the Arab-speaking world, and the unique challenges of filmmakers on the Continent. We also get into the many artist development programs and resources that are under the Seen Films umbrella including a crowdsourced post-production unit and their magazine, Terr.so, the only online magaz...

Episode 33 - Raven Two Feathers - “Burn Your Village to the Ground”

In this episode, I speak with friend and writer, director, co-producer, Raven Two Feathers. During our conversation, we chat about when we first met and my struggle with the Seattle hills, the 4th World Media Lab, their VR project, “A Drive to Top Surgery,” which screened at ImagiNative this year. their zine “Qualifications of Being,” and their new production company, Raven and Relatives. Raven is unapologetically Cherokee, Seneca, Cayuga, Comanche and because American Thanksgiving i...

Episode 32 - Mirjam Wiekenkamp - "Abusey Junction"

n this episode, I speak with the publicist and one of the founders of NOISE Film PR, Mirjam Wiekenkamp. During our conversation, we get into her publicist origin story, some of the differences between PR firms in the US and Europe, the unique ways a publicist can position documentary films in the European documentary festival landscape, and how publicist and impact producers can often build upon and support one another’s work on behalf of a filmmaker. Mirjam and NOISE Film PR are rep...

Episode 31 - Brenda Avila-Hanna - “Pueblos”

In this episode, I speak with Mexican filmmaker and Co-Director of Video Consortium Mexico, Brenda Avila-Hanna. During our conversation, we chat about her latest feature project Libertad, the professional needs of Mexican content creators outside of urban strongholds such as Mexico City, the immigration conversation that’s happening or actually not happening in Mexico, and the educational distribution co-op New Days Films. The song for this week’s episode is PUEBLOS, by Lila Downs an...

Episode 31 Announcement

Episode 30 - Ina Finchman - “Hallelujah”

In this episode, I speak with Canadian producer extraordinaire, Ina Finchman. During our conversation, we chat the nuts, bolts, and knowledge needed to be a great international co-production partner, her work with the Documentary Organization of Canada, and the specific steps the organization took to ease some of the stress of pandemic for Canadian filmmakers. We also discuss some of her most recent work on films such as Laila at the Bridge, Stray, and The Gig Is Up, and her ongoin...

Episode 29 - Ann Kaneko & Jin Yoo-Kim - “We Are the Children”

In this episode, I speak with director, producer, and writer Ann Kaneko and producer Jin Yoo-Kim about their latest project, Manzanar: Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust. We chat about Ann’s very impressive matchmaking skills, their work on K-Town ‘92 and their reflections of the 1992 Rebellion, and how they successfully weaved the stories of environmentalism, the Indigenous, and Japanese-Americans into a beautiful tapestry. This episode’s song is classic, “We are the Children” by Ch...

Episode 28 - Adam Benzine - “What's Happening Brother”

In this episode, I speak with Oscar-Nominated, United Kingdom-born, and Canada-based filmmaker Adam Benzine. During the episode, we chat about his career in journalism, his move to Canada, his critically acclaimed work, Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, and his latest documentary project, The Curve, which is about the first 90-days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Because in so many ways the battles we are facing now so closely resemble those are parents and grand...

Episode 27 - Ashley O’Shay - “Basquiat”

In this episode, I speak with DP and director, Ashley O’Shay. We chat about the uniqueness of Chicago filmmakers, How she discovered her love for cinematography, her work on national brands, her work on Surviving R. Kelly, and her feature debut, Unapologetic, which centers queer Black women in the Black Lives Matter movement. Because we’ve got to show love for Chi-town and It’s so important for Black folks to both stand in our righteous rage and joy this week’s song is Jamila Woods’ ...

Episode 26 - Resita Cox - “What They Do”

In this episode, I speak with journalist and filmmaker, Resita Cox. We chat about her local news career and why she decided to become a documentary filmmaker. We also discuss her latest project which is supported by Kartemquin Films, Freedom Hill a powerful film that celebrates Princeville, North Carolina, the first town incorporated by freed, enslaved Africans in America that is now suffering the impact of both environmental racism and climate change. Because Resita is a filmmaker w...

Episode 25 - Matt Lauterbach, Reveca Torres, & Grishma Shah- “My Future”

In this episode, I speak with Matt Lauterbach, Grishma Shah, and Reveca Torres of All Senses Go. During our conversation, we chat about how their work with organizations and content creators to ensure the media they support and create is accessible for all, the accessibility changes the team would like to become the norm as we move into a post-Covid world, and how people with disabilities and their co-conspirators can work together effectively to make lasting, sustainable change tha...

Episode 24 - Abby Sun - “I Want to Break Free”

In this episode, I speak with curator, Abby Sun about her work with the DocYard, an award-winning film and discussion series at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. We also chat about her work with Distribution Advocates, an organization committed to demystifying and transparency in distribution with the goal of creating a more ethical and equitable framework. Because ethical and equitable practices are rooted in liberation and require us to take actions that break us from the things th...

Episode 24 - Robert Y. Chang - “Tightrope”

In this episode, I speak with Coordinating Producer at American Documentary/America Reframed, Robert Chang. During our conversation we chat about his Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, America ReFramed’s new season, navigating documentary in the soon-to-be post-COVID world, and get a lesson on how PBS works locally and nationally. Because keeping one’s balance in the documentary world and life is one of the keys to creativity, this week’s song is Janelle Monáe’s “Tightrope".

Episode 23 - Robert Y. Chang - “Tightrope”

In this episode, I speak with Coordinating Producer at American Documentary/America Reframed, Robert Chang. During our conversation we chat about his Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, America ReFramed’s new season, navigating documentary in the soon-to-be post-COVID world, and get a lesson on how PBS works locally and nationally. Because keeping one’s balance in the documentary world and life is one of the keys to creativity, this week’s song is Janelle Monáe’s “Tightrope".

Episode 22 - Elhum Shakerifar & Steven Eastwood - "Cactus"

In this episode, I speak with UK-based artist-filmmaker Steven Eastwood and producer, Elhum Shakerifar about their collaborative work on the film ISLAND and how that work has shaped their thoughts on the exploration of death and dying in the time of COViD. We also chat about their current film and multiscreen installation the Neurocultures Project which not only centers on the neurodiverse experience but is being co-created with autistic artists. Because Steven, Elhum and the artists...

Episode 23 Elhum Shakerifar & Steven Eastwood "Cactus"

Episode 23 - Elhum Shakerifar & Steven Eastwood - "Cactus"

In this episode, I speak with UK-based artist-filmmaker Steven Eastwood and producer, Elhum Shakerifar about their collaborative work on the film ISLAND and how that work has shaped their thoughts on the exploration of death and dying in the time of COViD. We also chat about their current film and multiscreen installation the Neurocultures Project which not only centers on the neurodiverse experience but is being co-created with autistic artists. Because Steven, Elhum and the artists with who...

What’s Up with Docs @ "The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West, Day of Black Docs"

The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BADWest) is a professional organization providing people of African descent working in documentary film, video or other media the opportunity to network professionally, share resources, exchange ideas, and meet socially in order to enhance the development, production, promotion, and exhibition of documentaries. BADWest also advocates for the recognition and professional advancement of Black documentary filmmakers.

Episode 22 "The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West, Day of Black Docs"

The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BADWest) is a professional organization providing people of African descent working in documentary film, video or other media the opportunity to network professionally, share resources, exchange ideas, and meet socially in order to enhance the development, production, promotion, and exhibition of documentaries. BADWest also advocates for the recognition and professional advancement of Black documentary filmmakers.

Episode 21 - April Dobbins - “No Agreement”

In this episode, I speak with writer, photographer, educator, filmmaker, and proud mom, April Dobbins. During our conversation, we chat about her many, many, many artistic endeavors and the joys and challenges of making her first feature documentary, Alabamaland. Because we are so often defined by the situations to which we say, “Yes,” this week’s song, Fela Kuti’s “No Agreement” challenges us all to find power in small and large acts of resistance. Remember, “No,” is a complete sen...

Episode 20 - Victoria Thomas - “Survivor”

In this episode, I speak with filmmaker and educator Victoria Thomas. In our conversation, we chat about her latest project, Born in New York, Raised in Paris, her teaching at the London Film School, the production company she founded, the Polkadot Factory, and the challenges of navigating a documentary and narrative film industry rooted in a white supremacist work culture that is resistant to change. Because just like many Black women, Victoria finds being in these spaces can be ta...

Episode 19 - Lindsey Dryden & Day Al-Mohamed - “Say My Name”

In this episode, I speak with filmmaker Lindsey Dryden and filmmaker, novelist, and podcaster, Day Al-Mohamed. In our conversation, we chat about Day’s advocacy work in Washington, D.C., Lindsey’s work as a producer of the film Unrest, and the organization they co-founded with the Oscar-nominated director of Crip Camp, Jim Lebrecht and Alysa Nahmias, FWD-Doc. FWD-Doc is committed to empowering filmmakers with disabilities and part of that advocacy is being bold saying the words “dis...

Episode 18 - Chloë Walters-Wallace - “Take Me Home, Country Road/West Jamaica”

In the this episode, I speak with Firelight Media’s Manager of Artists Programs, Chloë Walters-Wallace. In our conversation, we chat about what got her started in the documentary field, her work at the Tribeca Film Institute and the New Orleans Film Society, and some of Firelight’s new initiatives for BIPOC filmmakers. Because she is originally from Jamaica, this episode’s song is Toots & the Maytals, “Take Me Home, Country Road/West Jamaica.”

Episode 17 - Rüzgâr Buşki - “İstikrarlı Hayal Hakikattir/Consistent Fantasy is Reality”

In this episode, I speak with artist and filmmaker Rüzgâr Buşki. In our conversation, we talk about immigrating from Instanbul, where to get great Turkish food in Berlin, discrimination in Germany, and their current project, I’ve Got the Power. Because I’ve Got the Power explores how imagination and fantasy can be used as tool to process and heal grief and be basis for creating a new reality, this episode’s song is Gaye Su Akyol’s “İstikrarlı Hayal Hakikattir/Consistent Fantasy i...

Episode 16 - Elegance Bratton & Chester Argenal Gordon - “Solid”

In this episode, I speak with writer and director Elegance Bratton and producer and costume designer Chester Argenal Gordon. In our conversation, we chat about how they met each other, their latest documentary project Pier Kids, and the joys and strength needed to stay true to themselves and their protagonists' stories and voices. Because they are my favorite power couple, this episode's song is Ashford & Simpson's classic, "Solid."

Episode 15 - Lillian Benson, A.C.E. - “Wanting Memories”

In the final episode of 2020, I speak with the director and editor, Lillian Benson. In our conversation, we talk about when she met the Civil Rights icon, Congressman John Lewis at the Academy Awards, the film she edited about his life, Get in the Way: The Journey of John Lewis, her documentary editing career, and her transition to the narrative world. Lillian’s commitment to integrity in her work and the telling Black stories is rooted in her keen sense of responsibility - a respon...

Episode 14 - Set Hernandez Rongkilyo - “A Thousand More”

In this episode, I speak with filmmaker and co-founder of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, Set Hernandez Rongkilyo. In our conversation, we discuss their filmography the ways undocumented filmmakers are demanding authorship and agency in the telling of their stories. Because Set is a very proud Pilipino/Bicolano, this week’s song is Love, Anthony, & Maya’s “A Thousand More” from the album Rock the Mic for Human Rights in the Philippines: Stop the Killings.

Episode 13 - Denise Hamilton - “We Shall Not Be Moved”

In this episode, I speak with educator, filmmaker and former co-chairperson of BADWest: Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers - West, Denise Hamilton, In our conversation we talk about BADWest, her latest doc/interactive project Race Relay, and what it’s like to be educating the next generation of international documentary filmmakers at the New York Film Academy. Because Denise and her family has deep ties to the Black liberation movement that go all the way to Mary McLeod Beth...

Episode 12 - Bo McGuire - “Fancy”

In this episode, I speak with the writer, director, and producer of Socks on Fire, Bo McGuire, winner of the Best Documentary Feature Award at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. Since Bo is a country boy at heart and Reba McEntire is one of his favorite artists, this episode’s song is the country classic, “Fancy.”

Episode 11 - Brigid O’Shea - “Down Under”

n this episode, I speak with the Head of Dok Industry Programme at Dok Leipzig and founder of the Documentary Association of Europe (DEA), Brigid O’Shea about what brought the Australian transplant to Germany and the upcoming festival, the oldest documentary festival in the world. Because she is an Aussie, this week’s song is Men at Work’s “Down Under.”

Episode 10 - Jamie Starboisky - “Live Your Life Be Free”

In this episode, I speak with director, creative producer, writer Jaime Starboisky about the Queer Media Film Festival and his virtual reality project, Therese & Peta: A Tale of Two-Spirits. In 1991, the two protagonists of the project, Therese & Peta, did a road trip back to Peta’s home on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Because in conversations with Jaime, Peta described that time as a moment they felt free, this week’s song is Belinda Carlisle’s “Live Your Life Be Free.”

Episode 9 - Claire Aguilar - “A Meeting in the Ladies Room”

In this episode, I speak with award-winning film curator, film festival director and television commissioning editor and broadcaster, Claire Aguilar about her career in documentary and her recent work with the American Film Showcase Pakistan. Because we first began working together, we always seem to run into each other to and fro from the restroom, this week’s song is Klymaxx’s R&B classic, “Meeting in the Ladies Room.”

Episode 8 - Fallon Young - “I’m Walking to New Orleans”

In this episode, I speak with Fallon Young, Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society about the plans for the New Orleans Film Festival and other programs in the time of COVID-19, “regional” documentary filmmakers, the George Floyd Uprising, and the specific, anti-racism remedies that are being put into place. Since the motto of the Crescent City is, “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” and there is no better place to be, just let the late, great Fats Domino take you there with t...

Episode 7 - Dante Alencastre - “Finally”

In this week’s episode, I speak with the filmmaker, Dante Alencastre, director & producer of AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman. This episode’s song is one of Connie’s favorites, CeCe Peniston’s “Finally.”

Episode 6 - Lily Zepeda - “Waterfalls”

In this week’s episode, I speak with Lily Zepeda, director, producer & writer of Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man. Because she is a self-proclaimed of the child of the nineties, this week’s song is TLC’s “Waterfalls.”

Episode 5 - Ani Mercedes - “Money”

In this week’s episode, I speak with Ani Mercedes, CEO, Founder, & Impact Producer at Looky Looky Pictures. Because she’s a fearless hustler, this episode’s song is Cardi B’s “Money.”

Episode 4 - Sonya Childress - “I Am the Black Gold of the Sun”

In this episode, I speak with Sonya Childress, Senior Fellow at the Perspective Fund, about her pioneering work in the field of documentary and impact. Because in all her work, she centers People of Color and Blackness, in particular, this week’s song is the New Rotary Connection’s classic, “I Am the Black Gold of the Sun.”

Episode 3 - Godisamang Godi Khunou - "Lady"

In this episode, I speak with Godisamang Godi Khunou, founder of Mogale Pictures, a production company dedicated to creating content from the Pan African and Pro African Feminism perspective. Because she is in late development on her first film Black Women & Sex, this week’s song is Hugh Masekela’s remake of the Fela Kuti classic “Lady.”

Episode 2 - Emily Cohen Ibañez & Ashley Solis Pavon - "It Takes Two"

In this episode, I speak with director/writer, Emily Cohen Ibañez, and protagonist/writer Ashley Solis Pavon about their upcoming project Fruits of Labor and what it’s like to collaborate on the filmmaking process. Like Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock say, “It Takes Two.” I spoke with them at the 2020 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

Episode 1 - Tracy Rector - "I'm Every Woman"

In this episode, I speak with Choctaw/Seminole co-founder of Longhouse Media, Tracy Rector about her filmmaking, her new gig with Nia Tero and, her mentoring of the 4th World Indigenous Media Lab. With everything that she does, like Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston, Tracy’s informal mantra should be “I’m Every Woman.” I spoke with her at the 2020 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.