The Art of Emotional Storytelling in Documentaries with Alex Winter

This week hosts Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson are joined by actor and filmmaker Alex Winter. Well known for his character-driven and emotional documentaries, Alex shares his journey from acting to NYU film student to acclaimed documentarian, dissecting the societal impact of technology on marginalized groups. Alex discusses his pivotal works "Deep Web" and "The YouTube Effect," revealing how he adapts stories to serve their emotional arcs and the complexities of managing vast amounts of footage. Alex also shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of film distribution, the parallels between the film and music industries post-Napster, and the indispensable role platforms like Kanopy play in preserving and presenting diverse cinema. Their discussion highlights the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the influence of historical filmmakers, and Alex's latest projects. Plus, Alex shares some must-watch documentaries available on Kanopy, including recommendations like "Man on Wire" and "Faces Places." Whether you're a documentary aficionado or new to the genre, this episode promises to be a captivating exploration of the art and impact of documentary cinema. Get started with Kanopy at www.kanopy.com by entering your library card information or university login when prompted.  Follow Kanopy at https://www.youtube.com/@KanopyOfficial  https://letterboxd.com/kanopy/  https://www.instagram.com/kanopy https://www.tiktok.com/@kanopyofficial  https://twitter.com/kanopy Follow Alex Winter https://www.instagram.com/alxwinter/  Follow Alonso Duralde https://bsky.app/profile/aduralde.bsky.social  Follow Daniel Thompson https://x.com/deckthedan  Producer: Brandon Gray Executive Producer: Christian Pierce Graphic Design: Aleksandra Jelic © Kanopy, Inc. All rights reserved. Produced by Bramble Jam Podcast Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 10:01 Alex Winter discusses production processes and challenges. 13:56 Societal impact and individual stories. 19:10 Alex’s struggle with indie filmmaking made him turn to docs. 24:02 YouTube documentary focused on emotional stories. 27:13 Struggles in the art and entertainment industry. 28:06 Challenges releasing independent films. 37:38 Prioritize meaningful films over mainstream success. 38:35 The impact of the writer’s strike leads to developing multiple projects. 41:46 Documentary filmmakers inspire a vibrant, active life.

Om Podcasten

Welcome to The Film Library, a podcast from Kanopy for movie fans who want to dive just a little deeper. Hosted by Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (movie lover, collector, and social media creator), The Film Library is your guide to discovering the stories behind the movies you love and the hidden gems you haven’t met yet. Inspired by Kanopy’s themed collections, Kristy and Jeff shine a spotlight on unforgettable performances, cult classics, overlooked Oscar snubs, and timeless cinema moments that deserve your attention. Whether they’re breaking down a campy horror legend or raving about a scene-stealing supporting actor, their banter is thoughtful, hilarious, and refreshingly down to earth. No film degree required - just curiosity and a library card. With over 30,000 movies, documentaries, and TV shows available for free on Kanopy (no ads, no subscription, just your public or university library login), your next great watch is waiting. Subscribe to The Film Library wherever you get your podcasts and stream every title at kanopy.com.