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Fog of Truth

Fog of Truth

Bart Weiss
TV & Film

A podcast about documentaries

147 - Knife, an interview with Salman Rushdie and Rachel Eliza Griffiths
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  • 147 - Knife, an interview with Salman Rushdie and Rachel Eliza Griffiths

    Knife, an interview with Salman Rushdie and Rachel Eliza Griffiths

    # Exploring the Depths of Trauma in 'Knife'

    > A candid conversation with Salman Rushdie and Eliza about their documentary journey.

    In this deeply moving episode, we dive into the making of the documentary *Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie*, featuring insights from Salman Rushdie, Eliza, and co-hosts Bart, John, and Justina. Together, they explore the personal and artistic challenges of depicting such a traumatic event.

    ## A Personal Journey Through Trauma The episode opens with Bart introducing the guests, highlighting the significance of the film in providing a deeper understanding of an event that many know about, yet few truly comprehend. Justina expresses gratitude for Salman and Eliza's willingness to share their deeply personal story, framing it as an inspiring tale of love amidst adversity.

    Eliza discusses her approach to filming, sharing how she utilized her professional camera to document the painful yet pivotal moments following the attack on Salman. "Every ugly tear snot coming out of my nose," she recalls, describing the emotional release she felt when her camera arrived, symbolizing a return to her identity as a storyteller.

    > "It was like a part of my name or a part of my body, like an organ had been given back to me... Here is something about my identity that I still have that is empowering." - Eliza

    ## The Impact of Collaboration Salman reflects on the unique experience of being the subject rather than the maker of the film. He mentions the importance of surrendering creative control to director Alex, believing that their proximity to the material made it essential to have another artist's perspective. "We were too close to the material to make the film ourselves," he states, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration in storytelling.

    They discuss the emotional weight of revisiting the scene of the attack, a decision that stemmed from Salman's desire for closure. Eliza shares her initial hesitation, but ultimately felt it was a journey they needed to undertake together.

    > "I wanted to go back from quite an early point in the recovery. I had this strong instinct that I wanted to revisit the scene of the crime." - Salman Rushdie

    ## Blurring the Lines of Past and Present As they recount their visit to Chautauqua, where the attack occurred, the discussion shifts to how Alex skillfully interwove past footage with their present experience, creating a powerful narrative. Eliza describes the emotional transformation she witnessed in Salman as he confronted the past, highlighting the significance of revisiting such a traumatic site.

    > "I could have been standing there by myself. So there were a lot of powerful forces in that moment." - Eliza

    The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on the necessity of sharing stories, particularly those steeped in trauma. The film not only serves as a testament to resilience but also sheds light on the complex emotions tied to revisiting painful memories.

    This episode is a compelling exploration of art, trauma, and the healing process, offering listeners a profound understanding of the emotional landscape navigated by Salman and Eliza as they brought their story to life. For the full experience, listen to the complete episode.

    Mon, 14 Sep 2026 - 28min
  • 146 - Sam Green and "The Oldest Person in the World

    In this episode, filmmaker Sam Green discusses his latest film about aging and the oldest person in the world, exploring themes of time, mortality, and the power of vulnerability in documentary filmmaking. Host Bart and Sam delve into the creative process, influences, and future projects, offering insights for aspiring filmmakers and curious minds alike.

    00:00 Introduction to Sam Green and his latest film

    01:52 Sam Green's early career and influential films

    03:57The concept and inspiration for the film about the oldest person in the world

    07:07 The significance of time and the use of cardboard signs

    10:05 Personal elements and family in the documentary

    12:04 The influence of Marlon Riggs and experimental documentary

    15:03 Organizing vast amounts of footage and the editing process

    19:55 Vulnerability and authenticity in personal filmmaking

    23:59 Future projects: a film about trees and live orchestral cinema

    25:56 Current oldest person in the world and closing thoughts

    Fri, 28 Aug 2026 - 27min
  • 145 - Flag Day

    Bart, John and Justina are joined by Melissa Shea and Andrew Shea, to talk about their new very important film

    Flag day!

    Tue, 09 Jun 2026 - 29min
  • 144 - The Lorraine

    This interview explores the making of a powerful documentary about the Lorraine Motel, its historical significance, and its cultural impact. The conversation covers the film's development, archival research, and its importance in preserving African American history.

    Key Topics

    The evolution of the Lorraine Motel documentary Archival research and footage collection Cultural significance of the Lorraine Motel and Memphis music scene Chapters 00:00The Genesis of a Documentary Project 03:09Exploring the Cultural Significance of the Lorraine Motel 06:06The Role of Archival Material in Storytelling 09:02The Impact of Editing on Documentary Filmmaking 12:00The Importance of Cultural Representation in Film
    Wed, 03 Jun 2026 - 15min
  • 143 - Steal This Story Please

    In this episode of the Fog of Truth, Bart John and Justina delve into the complexities of disinformation, the role of media in society, and the necessity of critical thinking in navigating the digital landscape. They emphasize the importance of being informed and discerning consumers of information. But mostly is it about Amy Goodman and the great film that Carl Deal and Tia Leesin made about her.

    In a world where mainstream media often prioritizes corporate interests over the truth, Amy Goodman stands out as a beacon of integrity and relentless pursuit of justice in journalism. The recent film "Steal This Story Please" explores her remarkable journey and the impact of her work with Democracy Now!, an independent news source that provides the public with uncensored information.

    This blog post unpacks the key insights from the film and highlights why Goodman's contributions are vital to understanding contemporary media. ## About Amy Goodman Amy Goodman is the founder and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a groundbreaking independent news program that operates without corporate sponsorship. For years, she has dedicated her career to covering stories often overlooked by mainstream media. Her fearless reporting, especially in war zones and during protests, showcases her commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. ## The Relentless Pursuit of Truth One of the film's most striking themes is Goodman's unwavering dedication to her craft. From chasing down officials at climate summits to covering war zones, Goodman's tenacity is emblematic of her commitment to journalistic integrity. -

    **Why It Matters:** In an era where news is frequently sanitized, Goodman's approach provides a refreshing reminder of the essential role of journalists in democracy. - **Example from the Film:** The opening scene highlights her determination as she relentlessly pursues a government official for comments, showcasing her physical and mental stamina in the field. - **Common Mistake:** Many journalists may shy away from confrontation or challenging the status quo, but Goodman exemplifies the importance of persistence in reporting. ## The Importance of Independent Media Goodman's work with Democracy Now! emphasizes the necessity of independent journalism in today's media landscape. - **The Conventional Thinking:

    ** Many believe that mainstream media provides a comprehensive view of current events, but this is often far from reality. -

    **What the Film Reveals:** The film contrasts the coverage of major networks during pivotal events, like the 2008 Republican Convention, with Goodman's on-the-ground reporting of protests and grassroots movements. - **Why This Matters:** Independent media sources like Democracy Now! challenge the narratives presented by corporate news outlets, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard.

    Mon, 25 May 2026 - 28min
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