Ep 256: Lacey Schwartz • Brian Wilson & Tony Hale • Nicky Vreeland

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In this episode sponsored by Reel Works, guests include filmmaker Lacey Schwartz who discusses her documentary Little White Lie. Lacey Schwartz is the CEO of Truth Aid. She is a director/producer and outreach strategist who has worked with a variety of production companies, organizations and networks, including MTV, BET, @radical.media, NASCAR and Be’chol Lashon. Little White Lie tells Lacey’s story of growing up in a typical upper-middle-class Jewish household in Woodstock, NY, with loving parents and a strong sense of her Jewish identity — despite the open questions from those around her about how a white girl could have such dark skin. She believes her family’s explanation that her looks were inherited from her dark-skinned Sicilian grandfather. But when her parents abruptly split, her gut starts to tell her something different. The film will begin a run of theatrical engagements in New York City this Friday, November 21st at the AMC Empire 25. For further details about screenings near you, visit the website. The film will have a broadcast on Independent Lens early next year.

Back on Episode 228, my guests included 50% of the filmmaking team behind the documentary A Will for the Woods. On this episode I sit with the other 50% of the team, filmmakers Brian Wilson & Tony Hale. A Will For the Woods tells the story of musician, psychiatrist, and folk dancer Clark Wang as he prepares for his own green burial while battling lymphoma, determined that his last act will be a gift to the planet. Boldly facing his mortality, the spirited Clark and his partner Jane have joined with a compassionate local cemeterian to use green burial to save a North Carolina woods from being clear-cut. The documentary will be having a special screening at the offices of Reel Works, 540 President Street, Suite #2, Brooklyn, on Friday, November 21st, doors at 6:30 PM. Filmmakers will attend for post-screening Q&A.

Last up, Guido Santi & Tina Mascara’s documentary Monk With a Camera follows the story and unusual life trajectory of Nicky Vreeland, son of fashion maven, Diana Vreeland. As a young man, Nicky was grooming himself to be a professional photographer with a life of money and privilege to spare. But he turned his back on all of it to pursue a higher dream, that to become a Buddhist Tibetan monk. This is his story. Nicky is on the podcast in this third segment and discusses his journey as well as his decision to submit to being the subject of this film. Indeed, Monk With a Camera opens for a one-week exclusive engagement in New York City on Friday, November 21st at Lincoln Center. Here are details for screenings.

Filmwax Radio is presented by Rooftop Films. Like us on Facebook.