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Westdoc Online: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Chuck Braverman
Everything about documentary filmmaking! Hear conversations with the most compelling producers, directors, executive and network programmers, commissioning editors, festival directors, and techies from around the world.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago29 min
EPISODE # 201 ASK E. JEAN
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
- 1 weeks ago40 min
MICHAEL CIONI - CUTTING THE CLOUD
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.
- Apr 21, 202628 min
BILLY PRESTON: THAT'S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT
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
- Apr 21, 202625 min
The Singers
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.
- Apr 21, 202635 min
Cutting Through the Rocks
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.
- Apr 21, 202645 min
Holding Liat
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.
- Apr 21, 202620 min
CLASSROOM 4 (Part 1)
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.
- Apr 21, 202625 min
Heartbeat - Oscar-Shortlisted Documentary
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.
About Westdoc Online
Everything about documentary filmmaking! Hear conversations with the most compelling producers, directors, executive and network programmers, commissioning editors, festival directors, and techies from around the world.
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