Actual Facts

Joining us is Nicholas Ma to discuss his documentary 'Leap of Faith' (2024), which follows twelve diverse Christian leaders from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they gather for a series of retreats led by Michael Gulker, organizer of a project called the Colossian Forum. Over a year, these pastors—five women and seven men from various denominations and with differing beliefs and approaches—engage in deep conversations on divisive issues, exploring perspectives shaped by their faith and experiences. We witness moments of deep pain and frustration as their views clash, but we're also there for the discovery of surprising points of connection.

Nicholas collaborated on the film with longtime partner Morgan Neville; the duo also made the great Fred Rogers documentary, 'Won’t You Be My Neighbor?'. An award-winning director, writer, and producer, Nicholas's work includes the WNBA documentary 'Unfinished Business' and his feature debut 'Mabel,' which was awarded the Sloan Prize. A former DOC NYC fellow and Film Independent Fellow, he also previously worked on global economic policy on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Actual Facts is hosted by Eric Steuer

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'Leap of Faith': https://leapoffaithmovie.com/

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We talk with Benjamin Ree about his documentary 'The Remarkable Life of Ibelin' (2024). The film tells the story of Mats Steen, a young man in Norway born with a severe form of muscular dystrophy that left him physically isolated for most of his life. Through the online multiplayer game 'World of Warcraft,' however, Mats found connection with a community of people around the world. Unbeknownst to his family, he had created a second life in the game as his character, Ibelin, building deep friendships with other players while keeping his real identity and health struggles private. When he passed away at just 25 years old, his family mourned what they thought had been a lonely life – until they began receiving an outpouring of messages from Mats' friends across the globe.

To bring Mats' online world to life, Benjamin collaborated with animators to recreate scenes from Mats' life in 'World of Warcraft,' allowing viewers to experience the exact environment, characters, and activities Mats had been immersed in. These scenes are blended with selections from the extensive video footage Mats' family captured of his life in the physical world.

Benjamin Ree is a three-time Sundance award-winning director, known for several documentaries, including 'Magnus' and 'The Painter and the Thief.'

Actual Facts is hosted by Eric Steuer

Send us a note: [email protected]

Our show's theme music is by Yalls: https://www.dancasey.me/

Benjamin Ree: https://benjaminree.com/

MovieMaker Magazine: https://www.moviemaker.com/

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We talk with acclaimed filmmaker Ondi Timoner about her deeply personal 2022 documentary, 'Last Flight Home.' The film chronicles the last days of Ondi’s father, Eli Timoner, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded a successful airline in the 1970s.

'Last Flight Home' captures the final weeks of 92-year-old Eli’s life after he decides to end it under California’s End of Life Option Act. The film offers a profoundly intimate portrayal of love, loss, and the courage it takes to say goodbye. In our conversation, Ondi reflects on the emotional journey of making the film and the powerful impact art can have on audiences.

Actual Facts is hosted by Eric Steuer

Send us a note: [email protected]

Theme music by Yalls: https://www.dancasey.me/

'Last Flight Home': https://www.interloperfilms.com/lastflighthome

MovieMaker Magazine: https://www.moviemaker.com/

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MovieMaker Magazine's documentary podcast Actual Facts is back to talk docs! Eric and Jason discuss 'American Pain,' a film that tells the story of twin brothers and bodybuilders Chris and Jeff George, who operated a notorious network of pain clinics in Florida, raking in millions by prescribing and dispensing large quantities of opioids with reckless abandon. The film's director, Darren Foster, stops by to chat.

Hosts: Eric Steuer and Jason Betrue

Theme music: Yalls (https://yalls.bandcamp.com)

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Visit MovieMaker Magazine online: https://www.moviemaker.com

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We’re joined by sister-and-brother filmmaking duo Rebecca and Pete Davis, whose new documentary, 'Join or Die,' examines the pivotal role that joining clubs and civic groups plays in shaping the future of our society.

Drawing on the work of renowned social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking book 'Bowling Alone' exposed the alarming decline of community connections, 'Join or Die' offers profound insights into the current crisis facing our democracy. The film combines Putnam’s story with perspectives from politics, economics, public health, and urban design. It also incorporates historic home videos and contemporary community profiles to highlight the essential role civic organizations play in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Actual Facts is hosted by Eric Steuer

Send us a note: [email protected]

Theme music by Yalls: https://www.dancasey.me/

'Join or Die': https://www.joinordiefilm.com/

MovieMaker Magazine: https://www.moviemaker.com/

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