E58 • Inside the Mind of a Festival Gatekeeper • THOM POWERS, Lead Documentary Programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival

Thom Powers, a renowned documentary programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), former artistic director of DocNYC, and host of the “Pure Nonfiction” podcast, delves into his journey from filmmaker to influential festival curator. Thom shares behind-the-scenes details about programming films like “The Bibi Files,” directed by Alexis Bloom, and Rebecca Huntt’s “Beba,” highlighting the unique power of documentaries to engage audiences. Thom emphasizes the importance of community within the filmmaking ecosystem, explores the nuanced selection process at major film festivals, and candidly reflects on the future challenges and opportunities facing documentary distribution today. Thom also reveals his all-time favorite documentary, the 1989 Oscar-winning “Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie,” directed by Marcel Ophuls. This conversation is a true masterclass for filmmakers eager to understand how documentaries find their audience and why curators like Powers are pivotal in shaping the documentary landscape.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and at pastpresentfeature.comWhat Movies Are You Watching?Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. Support the showListen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeatureThe Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 21, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature