From book bans to immigration, documentary filmmakers reveal the humanity behind complex issues

Great documentary films can teach people about the world. But the strength of the medium is that it doesn’t just explain facts, it can also reveal emotional truths. One recent documentary film that does so is called The Librarians. It takes a look at book bans in U.S. public schools and shows how librarians have reacted to them. Another is Missing In Brooks County. It explores what happens when people go missing after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This hour, we talk to some of the people who made those films possible. GUESTS: Kim. A Snyder: Oscar-nominated film director and producer. Her documentary Newtown won a Peabody Award. Her new film is The Librarians. Martha Hickson: Retired New Jersey librarian. She’s featured in the film The Librarians as one of the librarians fighting to prevent books from being banned. In 2022, Martha received the Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity. Jeff Bemiss: Peabody Award-winning filmmaker who co-directed and co-produced Missing in Brooks County. He is also Professor of the Practice in Film Studies at Trinity College. Lisa Molomot: Peabody Award-winning filmmaker who co-directed and co-produced Missing in Brooks County. Photo Source: Engel EntertainmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.