PopaHALLics

PopaHALLics #47 Documenting Meaning ("Robert," Pt. 2)

July 29, 2021 Steve & Kate Hall Season 2 Episode 47
PopaHALLics
PopaHALLics #47 Documenting Meaning ("Robert," Pt. 2)
Show Notes Chapter Markers

"Documenting Meaning" ("Robert, Pt. 2)
In the conclusion of our 2-part interview, "Robert" of 10,000 Films talks about the search for meaning that underlies the documentaries he makes. His subjects have included the search for the baptism site of Jesusthe similarities between Christianity and Islam, and a tree miraculously surviving in a barren desert—perhaps because of its connection to the Prophet Muhammed. (The thumbnail image is of a Zen Buddhist monk from his 2016 documentary "Loouavil Lip," featuring various Kentucky residents, which we discuss.)

"Robert" also explores principles of good documentary filmmaking ... the constant scramble for funding ... and what he truly thinks of Ken Burns.  You'll learn about the famous storytelling rule "Show, don't tell" and much more. Ultimately you come away with a greater respect and appreciation for the dedicated filmmakers who toil in the documentary field.

Popahallics #47 Playlist
Since "Robert" is talking about documentaries, all our music this time is from documentaries on the Civil War, baseball, the Great Depression, blues, etc.  "Robert" speaks of his respect for German filmmaker Werner Herzog, and we even have a spoken-word recording by Werner! A creepy spoken-word bit, but still. Listen to the playlist here.

Why All Student Films are Rubbish
Pop Culture "Philosophical View of the World"
"What is the Myth of Today?"
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Trying to Bring Myth Back to World
"Myths are More True than History"
"Robert" on His Process
How Filmmakers Are like Car Salesmen
50 Hrs of Interviews: 20 Minutes of Soundbites
Better to Choose Small Subject and Go Deep
Relative or Absolute Truth?
"This Sorcery Which is Filmmaking"
What about Ken Burns?
Ratio of Hours Spent Fundraising vs. Filmmaking
Craft of Filmmaking
Current Project: Sufi Sage and Anti-Colonial Activist