Westdoc Online

Producer Director IVY MEEROPOL and her doc on E. JEAN CARROLL who beat Trump in court for $88 million. Recorded May 26, 2026, 29 minutes. Recorded just a day before the Department of Justice announced their criminal investigation into the E. Jean Carroll case. In this powerful new episode of Westdoc Online the six‑year journey gaining access to E. Jean Carroll, the challenges of financing and producing a politically charged film and then distribution

In this new episode of Westdoc Online, Chuck Braverman sits down with visionary entrepreneur and filmmaker Michael Cioni, whose groundbreaking work has helped reshape modern digital filmmaking. From the early days of digital cinema and Final Cut Pro to his leadership at Frame.io and now his latest venture, Strada, Michael shares an insider’s perspective on the technologies transforming how films are created, edited, and shared.

This is the way Producer Director PARIS BARCLAY planned the new feature doc. Recorded March 2026, 28 minutes, Former president of the Directors Guild of America and one of television’s most prolific storytellers— an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about his latest documentary, Billy Preston: That's The Way God Planned It. We discuss Preston’s impact on the music world; his work with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Ray Charles and Little Richard, among other

Oscar nominee (one man band) producer, director, writer, cinematographer, SAM A. DAVIS creates a masterful short film. February, 2026, 25 minutes. The Singers short film is currently on Netflix and the filmmaker is interviewed by Chuck Braverman of Westdoc. In The SINGERS, a fiction film infused with documentary style, filmmaker Sam A. Davis quietly invades a broken down bar filled with broken down men, only to uncover geniuses in the rough. Without a script or even a definitive plan, guided only by a short story he had read, Davis allows these first-time actors — all discovered in various corners of the internet — to find their own way with his help and direction. The shoot was done on 35mm film, the story was found in the editing process. Singers is only 18 minute long, but you’ll feel like you know everyone in the bar. Drink up.

Oscar nominated feature documentary producer, director, editor SARA KHAKI and MOHAMMADREZA EYNI recorded February, 2026, 35 minutes. Producer/director/editors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni speak with passion about their Oscar nominated cinéma vérité film Cutting Through Rocks, the first Iranian feature documentary to be so honored. The project, eight years in the making, follows a mid-wife in an Iranian village, who becomes the first woman elected to local office—and begins challenging deeply rooted traditions, from child marriage to women’s land rights. It is, as Mohammadreza says, a master study in small town power.

Lance Kramer, the director, and his brother Brandon Kramer, the producer, began filming "Holding Liat" when one of the hostages from October 7th turned out to be a relative. Both brothers work in Washington, D.C., where significant events were unfolding. This personal connection to the crisis fueled their desire to create a documentary that goes beyond the headlines.

Oscar short listed doc talk with Producer Director Eden Wurmfeld Jan 9, 2026 An extraordinary college‑level history class held inside an Oregon prison. Eden shares how the project began, the remarkable bonds formed between inside and outside students, and the transformative impact the experience had on everyone. This conversation offers a rare, moving look at education, vulnerability, and humanity behind prison walls—setting the stage for our special live screening and Q&A on February 19th at Bucks County Community College.

A Deep Dive into Heartbeat Heartbeat is an Oscar-shortlisted documentary directed by filmmakers Jay Rosenblatt and Stephanie Rapp. This film, recorded in December 2025, runs for 26 minutes. It captures the intimate journey of a couple trying to have a baby. The film sheds light on the often unspoken experiences of pregnancy and miscarriage. In a candid conversation, Westdoc host Chuck Braverman speaks with the married filmmakers. They discuss why the tapes sat on the shelf for 25 years. This delay adds depth to their story, revealing the complexities of their personal journey. The Personal Touch The film provides a raw look at the filmmakers' experiences. It explores the emotional highs and lows of trying to conceive. The narrative is both personal and universal. Many viewers can relate to the themes of hope, loss, and resilience.   Rosenblatt and Rapp have created a powerful piece that resonates deeply. Their approach invites viewers into their lives. They share their struggles and triumphs in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Other Notable Works In addition to Heartbeat, the filmmakers have produced other personal films. Two of these films, "How Do You Measure a Year" and "When We Were Bullies," have also received Oscar nominations. These works reflect their commitment to storytelling that is both personal and impactful. The Impact of Heartbeat Heartbeat is more than just a documentary. It is a conversation starter about the challenges of starting a family. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences. It highlights the importance of sharing stories that are often kept private. The filmmakers' decision to finally share their story after 25 years is significant. It shows the power of vulnerability in storytelling. By opening up about their journey, they invite others to do the same. Conclusion In conclusion, Heartbeat is a must-watch for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking. It offers a unique perspective on a deeply personal subject. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling. It reminds us that our experiences, no matter how painful, can connect us to others. For more insights into the world of documentary filmmaking, check out Westdoc Online. This platform offers exclusive interviews with top creators, sharing their stories and insights with a global audience.

Producers ANDREW JARECKI and CHARLOTTE KAUFMAN conversation Nov 2025. 31 mins HBO documentary The Alabama Solution exposes the brutal realities of the Alabama prison system. What begins as an exploration of resilience turns into a harrowing investigation of corruption, forced labor, secrecy, and systemic human rights violations.

Craig Renaud and Juan Arredondo documentary short, recorded November 2025, 29 mins. Documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud was the first American journalist to die while reporting on the war in Ukraine. His younger brother and collaborator, Craig Renaud, and producer Juan Arredondo recovered Brent's body and his final recordings from Ukraine and brought them back to their childhood home in Arkansas. As Brent's journey to his final resting place unfolds, this HBO film chronicles the years he and his brother spent covering some of the world's most dangerous conflicts.            

First time director David Goldblum, doc short, recorded November 2025, 26 minutes. The Palisades and Eaton fires swept through Los Angeles, destroying 16,000 homes, including 270 in Big Rock, a section of Malibu. Director David Goldblum’s film, Big Rock Burning, chronicles the horror of that event. Goldblum lived in Big Rock. He speaks to Westdoc about running for his life, the lack of water in the hydrants and the total absence of firefighters. He talks about being mentored, getting into UCLA Film School, struggling to release the film and looking for next projects.  This is a very personal story.

Experienced producer, first time director David Bushell creates their Last Movie. Recorded October, 2025, 30 minutes   David Bushell, whose credits include scripted films going back to “Sling Blade” and “Dallas Buyers Club,” talks to Westdoc about his first documentary, Cheech & Chong - The Last Movie, the status of independent docs, and lifting the veil on two legendary comics (the original stoners) who hold a unique place in American culture. He describes the movie-making process as “laying a line of firecrackers and running.” Don’t miss this revealing interview.

In this compelling new episode of Westdoc Online, Chuck Braverman sits down with award-winning director Geeta Gandbhir to discuss her powerful Netflix documentary The Perfect Neighbor. The film tells the tragic story of Ajike Owens, a young Black mother murdered by a white neighbor in Florida, through an unprecedented trove of police body-cam footage. Gandbhir shares how a personal connection to the victim led her to turn raw grief into a gripping, vérité-style film that exposes the dangers of “Stand Your Ground” laws and the systemic failures that allow racial violence to persist.

Director Jennifer Tiexiera and Co Director/DP Guy Mossman discuss the new documentary Speak with moderator Chuck Braverman.

An interview with the director producer of "It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley" a documentary about the fallen star of the 90s.

Director Matt Wolf takes us into the world of Pee-Wee as Himself in this episode of Westdoc Online. Host Chuck Braverman peels back the layers of Wolf’s journey—his battle for creative control with Paul Reubens, securing HBO’s backing, and collaborating with Hollywood heavyweights like producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff and the Safdie brothers.

Chuck Braverman speaks with filmmakers Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz about their extraordinary documentary chronicling the rise and leadership of the former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Director Sean O'Malley on making his film Blue: The Art and Life of George Rodrigue and how it got on 200 PBS stations.

Director/producer Robert Greenwald discusses his NEW documentary on Gaza and more.

Set against the backdrop of his son’s first five years of life—filmmaker Justin Simms looks at modern masculinity through the lens of fatherhood as he asks an increasingly urgent question: How do we teach our boys to be better men?

Listen to the full interview with the director and editor of "Art for Everybody" a documentary about Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light.

"THANK YOU VERY MUCH" is a very special episode of Westdoc interviewing producer director Alex Braverman and his life long obsession with Andy Kaufman and the eight year road to producing this feature documentary.

Horton tells us his formula for low budget scripted and documentary success with digital distribution with FilmHub mostly to FAST channels like Tubi, Mubi, Amazon Prime and dozens more.

Sugarcane is a documentary about injustices to Native American children for generations done by the Catholic Church in the US and Canada. This is an interview with the Producers.

Here is an episode of Westdoc Online with Chuck Braverman that is an interview with the director of the documentary "The Only Girl in the Orchestra" about Orin O'Brien, the first full time member and a double bassist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

An interview with defense council Dean Strang. A Netflix Documentary and true crime story.

An interview with the director of "Being Mary Tyler Moore," a documentary about the Emmy award winning actress and women's rights activist.

An interview with the director of the documentary "Introducing Selma Blair," a documentary about her fight with Multiple Sclerosis and a stem cell replacement surgery.

An interview with Thom Powers, the Programmer at the Toronto International Film Festival.

An interview with the director of the documentary that tells the story of an alleged lost painting from Leonardo DaVinci.

CEO of Jukin Media discusses how he took home videos from other people and turned it into a multi million dollar business.

The story of a wheelchair bound online World of Warcraft gamer who lived his life through a character in Azeroth making friends all across Europe and bringing joy to his life.

An interview with the directors of The Big Conn, the largest Social Security scam in history. They also talk about the McDonald's fraud for the Monopoly game.

An interview with the director of the documentary "I am Richard Pryor."

Director Benjamin Ree and Executive Producer Morgan Neville discuss the documentary "The Painter and the Thief," as story of an unlikely friendship that occurred after an art thief was arrested.

Director Marina Zenovich discusses her documentary "What do Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Roman Polanski, and ESPN have in common?" and other highlights of her career. 

An interview with the director of the documentary "Belushi," R.J. Cutler. Cutler discusses the making of that film and others.

Director Tim Wardle discusses the making of the documentary "Three Identical Strangers," a story about triplets who were separated at birth and only found each other as adults.

Cameraman Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough directs his first feature documentary and it's a doozy. His cinema vérité crew spent five years in Baltimore, following our other guest Mayor Brandon Scott, an idealistic young leader with an ambitious plan to stop chronic violence. Recorded December 7, 2024. Throughout his first year in office, he fights powerful political forces to save lives in Baltimore and reveal a pathway toward healing for the nation.

Peruvian born Gutiérrez speaks with Westdoc about her own connection with Kahlo’s art - as a woman, an artist, and a Latina  - her struggle with learning English as a teen, and the importance of using Kahlo’s own words, in Spanish, for the film’s narration.  FRIDA the documentary is available on Amazon Prime.

Producer Director Raoul Peck in a conversation about the making of his new feature documetary ERNEST COLE: LOST AND FOUND, the injustices of apartheid, the grueling necessity of film promotion, the connections between all stories, cinema’s death-by-streaming, and the need to sometime self-finance. 32 minutes, recorded November 19, 2024.

Christopher Reeve played the Man of Steel in four films, but his real superpowers didn’t emerge until after his tragic accident. Filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, who made Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, speak with Westdoc about their long journey to get the film made, Reeve’s family and their personal memories, clearance, licensing, financing and the essence of documentary characters. Heroism requires challenge. Christopher Reeves met the challenge and soared faster than a speeding bullet.

Four extraordinary artists — an older couple moving toward the end, a younger couple chronicling the journey — come together to make "Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other." Filmmakers Jacob Perlmutter and Manon Ouimet spent a year living with world famous photographer Joel Meyerowitz and his wife writer Maggie Barrett, resulting in an exquisite cinéma vérité of tremendous depth and intimacy. The filmmakers spoke from their London home about their “soulful collaboration,” small light camera gear, large emotional gains, and of course, distribution. Quite a journey.

In this conversation with Westdoc’s Chuck Braverman, Annie Roney discusses her extensive experience in the documentary film industry, particularly through her global distribution company Roco Films. She elaborates on the difficult challenges faced today in documentary distribution, both foreign and domestic, the launch of the In Real Life Movie Club aimed at fostering community engagement through film, and the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. The feature doc “Join or Die” is the first film the non profit distributed. Roney emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the role of documentaries in addressing social issues, while also highlighting the need for innovative distribution methods in a changing market.

Documentary filmmaker Marc Marriott directs his first scripted feature film and discusses the challenges of a very low budget and short shooting schedule. The film is charming, funny, and beautifully shot by cinematographer Oscar Jimenez. “This is a story about finding untapped reservoirs of courage and empathy from your own culture, while also reaching out and connecting with others. Highlighting this character journey is the natural beauty of the Montana landscape.

In the year that has passed since the brutal Hamas attack of October 7, families grieve for lost love ones, other families pray for the return of hostages, and a sympathetic movement has arisen for the Palestinians of Gaza. The horror of the attack, told in first-person video accounts, unfolds in director Yariv Mozer’s profound documentary, We Will Dance Again. Westdoc talks with Mozer, along with See It Now executive producers Susan Zirinsky and Terrance Wrong about access to the restricted war zone, gathering and editing hundreds of hours of footage from both sides, finding and interviewing survivors, and the path forward. This important film, which everyone should see, will be released on Paramount + this Tuesday, September 24.

DAYTIME REVOLUTION chronicles one week in 1972 when John Lennon and Yoko Ono co-hosted the most popular show on daytime TV, bringing together iconic leaders of the cultural, musical, and political revolution. Producer/director Erik Nelson found the old video, restored it beautifully, and created this powerful feature doc. A return guest on Westdoc, with Chuck Braverman he talked about the three essentials of doc films; subject, access, filmmaker, and the two most important moments in any film; the open and the close, and his only option in today’s climate as a filmmaker, to fund the film himself. Join us for this very interesting conversation.

The HBO Original two-part documentary WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos directed by Academy Award®-winner Alex Gibney (HBO’s “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” and “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley”) debuts SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. 25 years after the show first debuted, HBO’s paradigm-shifting series “The Sopranos” remains a cultural phenomenon and a touchstone for prestige television. On a replica set of Dr. Melfi’s psychiatrist’s office, Gibney flips the script on David Chase, excavating and analyzing the origins of “The Sopranos,” his creative process, and the intimate connections between his own life and many of his characters.

Producer Director JEFF ZIMBALIST has two terrific documentaries released at the same time. HOW TO COME ALIVE with NORMAN MAILER explores the rollercoaster life of America’s most controversial and bestselling author of the 20th Century. Propelled by his tremendous ego and contrarian spirit, Mailer’s ceaseless visibility in the public eye lasted 6 decades, during which he had 6 tumultuous marriages, 9 children, 11 bestsellers, 3 arrests, and 2 Pulitzer Prizes. SKYWALKERS; A LOVE STORY is about a pair of Moscow daredevils who’ve made a career out of scaling some of the world’s tallest buildings. Their climbs are often technically considered trespassing — and completed with minimal or nonexistent safety precautions in place. But they aren’t just climbing buddies — they’re also in love. Skywalkers is on Netflix now and while Mailer is in theaters now and video on demand soon. See more documentary episodes on www.westdoc.net

I LIKE IT HERE is about the simple pleasures of being alive. An American documentarian for more than 50 years, Ralph Arlyck has created an eloquent cinematic meditation on the reality and surprising beauties of moving through life. Arlyck conveys how it feels to experience the winding down of one's days as he visits friends from past and present, most of them rather lively, plus children and grandchildren. He punctuates those scenes with reflections on the challenges of feeling your joints and thoughts stiffen, as the camera confronts - both seriously and humorously -- the obstacles that loom up in front of anyone who is on the last lap. Interviewed here by Chuck Braverman on Westdoc. See more episodes at www.westdoc.net