Joe Kowalski - Documentary Filmmaker and Editor, Substance

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with documentary filmmaker and editor Joe Kowalski to explore the art of storytelling through film. Joe shares the journey from making YouTube videos as a teenager to directing major documentary projects, including the upcoming feature Micronations.They discuss the fascinating world of self-declared countries, why unusual stories often reveal the deepest truths, and how filmmaking can create healing, connection, and perspective. Joe also opens up about working on the emotional documentary Mr. Football, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and why independent creators still have a massive opportunity ahead.If you love creativity, reinvention, and stories that make you think, this episode is for you.