104 minutes / Color
Release: 2017
Copyright: 2012
There are countless histories of narrative film, but the documentary has never received its due. TO TELL THE TRUTH presents two films that place familiar historical events in a startling new perspective and help viewers understand the choices behind, and consequences of, on-screen "reality."
Directed by Calvin Skaggs. Explores the birth of the social documentary, featuring interviews with several members of the first wave of documentary filmmaking, as well as contributions from historians and critics, and a wealth of footage: essential viewing for anyone interested in film history and the power of media as a voice for truth-telling.
Directed by David Van Taylor. Explores the role of film as propaganda during World War II, and the different forms it took around the world. It also raises the central question of whether a film can be both documentary-reflecting the truth-and propaganda. Featuring a wealth of archival footage from the British, German, and American propaganda effort, along with interviews with film historians and veterans of the celluloid war effort, the film illuminates the complicated relationship between propaganda and documentary.
"For those doubting the power of documentaries to have a social impact, TO TELL THE TRUTH should give them an idea."—Andy Webster, NEW YORK TIMES "Week Ahead"
"A very important non-fiction series ... Fascinating ... Probing ... Two must-see documentary-on-documentary episodes."—Jennifer Merin, ABOUT.COM GUIDE TO DOCUMENTARIES
"What a great idea ... About nonfiction filmmaking, but that's just the through-line... This series is a new way of looking at history."—Tom Roston, DOC SOUP
"A unique intersection of art, reality, and social impact, WORKING FOR CHANGE is an outstanding resource for courses in film history, social movements, and mass communication. It is also a great choice for academic and public libraries."—Educational Media Reviews Online
"I highly recommend WORKING FOR CHANGE (1929–1941). It not only belongs in academic and public library collections, but could also provide an excellent resource in the classroom, particularly in relation to film history, social movements, government, and mass communication."—Leonardo Reviews
"Captivating and enlightening, THE STRATEGY OF TRUTH is an outstanding resource for courses in film history, mass communication, and political science. It is also an excellent selection for academic and public libraries."—Educational Media Reviews Online
Select Accolades
The life and work of legendary director Robert Flaherty ("Nanook of the North"), the "father of documentary."
Mac Dara O Curraidhin | 2011 | 84 minutes | Color | English
Directly follows the previous episode and examines documentary filmmaking in times of war and how it was used as propaganda.
David Van Taylor | 2013 | 56 minutes | Color | English
A history of documentary filmmaking in the US and UK from 1929-1941, including The Great Depression and The New Deal.
Calvin Skaggs | 2013 | 56 minutes | Color | English
