There are a lot of things I love about living in the college town of Columbia, Mo., but one of my favorite annual events is the True/False Film Fest.
For the past 10 years, True/False has shown inspiring and thought-provoking documentary films to audience members who come from all over the country and world. Live music precedes the films, Q-and-A sessions with directors follow the films and art installations line the streets as viewers rush from one film to the next.
I only saw one True/False film last year and wished I’d seen more, so this year, I did True/False right and bought a simple pass. A bunch of my friends did the same, and I had a great time going from movie to movie with them and discussing each one.
It was natural for me as a journalist to contribute to the conversation people were having. Besides writing about merchandise sold at this year’s festival (the perk of having your Missourian weekend general assignment shift this weekend), I tweeted about each of the films I saw. Read my thoughts below:
#CoMo band The Onions opens for “Sleepless Nights.” Digging the xylophone. #truefalse twitter.com/KatieYaeger/st…
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 1, 2013
“Sleepless Nights” gave an insightful look into conflicts that remain after the war in Lebanon. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 2, 2013
Secret Screening Red: a powerful film incorporating one of my favorite things. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 2, 2013
“Crash Reel”: Loved Kevin’s story and family, didn’t love all of the crash footage. #ouch #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 2, 2013
“Blackfish”: Great investigative journalism that completely changed my view on SeaWorld. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 2, 2013
“Which Way Is the Front Line from Here?”: The life of a journalist who successfully humanized war and people involved. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 3, 2013
“Dirty Wars”: a reminder of journalism’s purpose as a watchdog for the government. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 3, 2013
“After Tiller”: an eye-opening look into third-trimester abortions and the lives of those involved. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 3, 2013
Secret Screening Silver: a profile of a man whose unusual hobby helps him in unexpected ways. #truefalse
— Katie Yaeger (@KatieYaeger) March 4, 2013
I’m so glad I got to contribute to True/False coverage and conversation this year, and I’m excited to do it again the next spring semester I’m in Columbia.