Stories, Controversy & Band-aids

Michel Grey & Sylvia Greif
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Stories, Controversy & Band-aids

American filmmaker Michel Grey and Swiss artist Sylvia Greif dive into the chaotic world of film and television production with their distinctive, offbeat style. In their first season, they explore their latest project—a documentary and screenplay unraveling Sylvia's family's hidden secrets. As they delve into a tale of international espionage, elite society, and political coups in South America, they expose the raw struggles, triumphs, and compromises behind producing powerful media content.

  1. The Riviera & The Resistance

    5 DAYS AGO

    The Riviera & The Resistance

    The duo revisit Sylvia’s childhood memories while in San Sebastian uncovering new layers of her mother Maria’s mysterious past. From a poignant boat trip to Medy Roc to an eye-opening interview with Pierre Rayon, son of a French Resistance hero, they delve into Maria’s ties to war, espionage, and high society. Unexpected revelations—like monogrammed towels from a former German officer is balanced with humorous nostalgia, indulging in French desserts and lively encounters.

    22 min
  2. Conversations in Cannes: Unraveling the Past

    FEB 11

    Conversations in Cannes: Unraveling the Past

    Sylvia and Michel continue their journey in San Sebastian, reflecting on their latest interviews and experiences while traveling through France. They discuss their meetings in Cannes to speak with Sylvia’s mother’s friends, Nicole and Jean-Claude. The conversation explores Jean-Claude’s helicopter company, his adventures with Sylvia’s mother, and the extravagant lifestyle of high society in the South of France. Personal anecdotes about travel habits, sunglasses as a form of identity, and Sylvia’s mother’s legendary presence are also topics.

    13 min
  3. Roadblocks, Revelations & Pink Champagne

    FEB 4

    Roadblocks, Revelations & Pink Champagne

    Michel and Sylvia’s latest episode finds the duo recounting their travels through Switzerland, Italy, and France. Their journey is packed with unexpected twists, from cultural mix-ups about muscle cramps to navigating scenic yet chaotic coastal roads. They share amusing anecdotes, like dodging a seagull attack on their drone, making unplanned stops at lavish villas, and Sylvia’s frantic search for her missing wallet. Their adventure takes a dramatic turn in France, where GPS failures lead to frustrating detours, and a fiery toll booth protest causes massive delays en route to Monaco. In Antibes, they uncover more of Sylvia’s mother’s glamorous past, meeting Victoria Haggerty, a former opera singer and family friend, who shares intriguing stories of high-society parties and unexpected celebrity encounters.

    27 min
  4. The Psychological Toll of Secrecy

    JAN 28

    The Psychological Toll of Secrecy

    In this episode, Sylvia and Michel check in from San Sebastián, Spain, reflecting on their whirlwind journey through Paris, Switzerland, and the south of France while filming. They recount unexpected travel challenges—like navigating a French taxi strike—and dive into their latest discoveries about Sylvia’s mother, confirming long-held suspicions of her espionage past. With insights from historian Irene Pimentel and psychologist Jan Gizzi, they explore the hidden world of female spies, classified documents, and the psychological toll of secrecy. From Swiss bunkers turned fondue restaurants to secret hotel tunnels used by intelligence operatives, this episode uncovers new layers of intrigue while hinting at even more revelations to come.

    32 min
  5. Switzerland; Gstaad & Harry Winston’s Diamond Necklace

    JAN 21

    Switzerland; Gstaad & Harry Winston’s Diamond Necklace

    This week’s episode highlights the process of uncovering the life and motivations of Sylvia's mother, Elsa, and her transformation into Maria. They discuss the significance of photos, documents, and interviews collected during their journey. Sylvia and her collaborators speculate on Elsa’s connections to espionage, her intelligence, multilingual abilities, and the circumstances that may have led to her involvement and whether her actions were intentional, opportunistic, or coincidental, questioning whether she was officially recruited or an Agent de liaison. They recount intriguing stories of Sylvia’s parents’ connections, secretive meetings, and international dealings, emphasizing the era’s post-war optimism and rebuilding. Their journey continues as they piece together a web of secrets, transformations, untold history and a certain diamond necklace.

    30 min
  6. Unveiling Espionage: From Paris to Switzerland

    JAN 14

    Unveiling Espionage: From Paris to Switzerland

    Join the filmmakers in Paris as they uncover espionage secrets linked to Sylvia's father, explore Josephine Baker's former residence, and delve into Paris's rich diplomatic history. From navigating travel hurdles, such as securing international driver’s licenses, to discovering clues in Montparnasse Cemetery and preparing for pivotal interviews with filmmaker Patrick Spica, journalist Alain Ammar, and a mystery insider, the team uncovers connections to French intelligence and Sylvia’s father’s hidden past. The journey continues with ties to the May 1968 civil unrest, hidden bunkers in Switzerland, and lighthearted moments with the crew’s canine mascots, Zoie and Lola. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights into the making of their complex, globe-spanning documentary.

    29 min
  7. From Swiss Slopes to Hollywood Hustle

    12/31/2024

    From Swiss Slopes to Hollywood Hustle

    The hosts reflect on the cultural diversity of Switzerland, childhood memories, and the challenges of working in the film industry. Sylvia shares her upbringing on the Swiss-German side, as she recalls her boarding school days in Switzerland, where skiing was part of daily life, and contrasts this with American childhood games like "tag" and "dodgeball," which she had never encountered.

    29 min
  8. Pets, Privilege & Royal Encounters

    12/24/2024

    Pets, Privilege & Royal Encounters

    The duo reminisces about their childhood pets, Sylvia talks about her chinchilla and Korean squirrels to an octopus named Octavio who mysteriously followed her during Mediterranean swims, forging an unforgettable bond. The episode delves into the comforting and steadfast presence of animals in their lives, contrasting the reliability of pets with the complexities of human relationships. Sylvia also opens up about her time at Swiss boarding schools, these prestigious schools, attended by royalty and celebrities, shaped her development and even inspired her book Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

American filmmaker Michel Grey and Swiss artist Sylvia Greif dive into the chaotic world of film and television production with their distinctive, offbeat style. In their first season, they explore their latest project—a documentary and screenplay unraveling Sylvia's family's hidden secrets. As they delve into a tale of international espionage, elite society, and political coups in South America, they expose the raw struggles, triumphs, and compromises behind producing powerful media content.

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