True Story

Institute of Documentary Film

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True Story: a documentary video and podcast interview series; almost everything you ever wanted to know about Central and Eastern European documentary film. In-depth interviews with your curious and enthusiastic hosts, Ivona Remundova and Nicole Jennifer Adelman. This series is brought to you by the Institute of Documentary Film (dokweb.net).

03/28/2025

Episode 64: A Shaman's Tale with Beata Bashkirova and Mikhail Bashkirov

In this episode of the True Story Podcast, Ivona Remundová speaks with directors Beata Bashkirova and Mikhail Bashkirov about A Shaman’s Tale, a gripping documentary that follows Yakut shaman Alexander Gabyshev on his extraordinary journey across Russia to “exorcise” Vladimir Putin, whom he believes to be a demon. What begins as a symbolic, almost mythical pilgrimage soon turns into a powerful act of resistance, drawing supporters and government repression alike. Bashkirova and Bashkirov discuss their experiences filming this dangerous and deeply political odyssey, the challenges of documenting a man whose mission straddles the line between spirituality and activism, and the personal risks they faced as independent filmmakers in Russia. Why did the Russian authorities see Gabyshev as such a threat? How does shamanism intersect with political resistance? And what does this story tell us about the shifting realities of contemporary Russia? Tune in as we explore these questions and more.

29 min
03/27/2025

Episode 63: Whose Dog Am I? with Robert Lakatos

In this episode of the True Story Podcast, Ivona Remundová speaks with director Robert Lakatos about his thought-provoking and darkly humorous documentary Whose Dog Am I?. The film is a sharp political satire exploring nationalism, identity, and power—told through the unexpected lens of dog breeding. Lakatos takes us on a journey through a world where politics and ideology seep into the seemingly innocent realm of purebred dogs, exposing how the desire for purity in breeding echoes troubling nationalist narratives. In conversation with Remundová, he discusses the creative and ethical challenges of crafting an ironic yet deeply political film, the difficulties of securing funding for a project that critiques propaganda, and the fine balance between humor and serious social commentary. How do politics shape even the most unexpected aspects of our daily lives? Can satire help us see reality more clearly? Join us for an insightful discussion on a film Variety has hailed as “a new breed of social satire.

16 min
03/26/2025

Episode 62: No Place For You In Our Town with Nikolay Stefanov and Ralitsa Golemanova

In this episode of the True Story Podcast, Ivona Remundová speaks with director Nikolay Stefanov and producer Ralitsa Golemanova about their gripping documentary No Place for You in Our Town. The film offers an unfiltered look into the lives of a football gang in the post-industrial Bulgarian city of Pernik, a place shaped by economic decline and shifting social landscapes. Stefanov, a native of Pernik, embedded himself in this world for over three years, capturing the struggles, loyalties, and raw emotions of his protagonists. Together with Golemanova, they discuss the challenges of filming within a subculture often viewed through stereotypes, their approach to observational storytelling, and the ethical dilemmas of depicting radical perspectives. How does a once-thriving industrial city shape the identities of its people? What happens when a community feels pushed to the margins of society? Listen in as we explore these complex questions and uncover the human side of those often dismissed as outcasts.

27 min
03/15/2025

Episode 61: Cuba&Alaska with Olha Beskhmelnytsina

Ivona Remundová talks to producer Olha Beskhmelnytsina about her latest project, Cuba and Alaska, a documentary by director Yegor Troianovsky. The film follows two young and brave female paramedics on the frontlines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through their perspective, the documentary offers a rare and deeply personal look at the war, highlighting the resilience, strength, and unbreakable spirit of women in combat. Olha discusses the challenges of filming in war zones, the unique female perspective on the conflict, and the hopes and dreams that persist even in the darkest of times.

20 min
12/20/2024

Episode 60: The Post-Soviet Reality and Filmmaking with Olga Lucovnicova

In this episode Ivona Remundová sits down with award-winning Moldovan filmmaker Olga Lucovnícova live from East Doc Platform 2024. Together, they explore Olga's journey from her post-Soviet upbringing to her unexpected pivot from accounting to documentary filmmaking. Olga shares how her experiences shaped her storytelling and allowed her to investigate echoes of Soviet history through a fresh lens. They discuss Olga's critically acclaimed short film Object 817, a gripping portrayal of a nuclear accident site in the Russian Urals intertwined with myths of alien encounters. The conversation dives into the fascinating yet unsettling realities of nuclear waste, military secrecy, and the enduring impact on local communities. Olga also reflects on her international education, her path to settling in Belgium, and the inspiration behind her feature-length documentary, Last Letters from My Grandma, developed at Ex Oriente Film 2021 and now on the global festival circuit. Listen now to uncover Olga’s captivating stories of resilience, discovery, and creativity in the face of historical shadows.

36 min
11/27/2024

Episode 59: Exploring “The Other One” with Marie-Magdalena Kochová

Join host Nicole Edelman as she sits down with Czech director Marie-Magdalena Kochová to dive deep into her poignant new film, The Other One. Marie-Magdalena shares her personal journey and the challenges of depicting the life of an 18-year-old girl grappling with the complexities of having a sibling with atypical autism. Discover the heartfelt process behind casting Johana, the film’s protagonist, and the broader implications for siblings of individuals with disabilities. Marie-Magdalena opens up about the need for systemic support for these "glass children" and the importance of empathy and understanding through storytelling. Tune in to learn about the impact of her work and how it aims to shed light on this often-overlooked issue.

20 min
06/28/2024

Behind the Scenes: The Rise and Craft of Modern Docuseries

Join host Ivona Remundová on the True Story podcast, brought to you by the Institute of Documentary Film in Prague, as she delves into the fascinating world of docuseries with acclaimed filmmakers Justin Webster and Stefano Strocchi. Recorded during the East Doc Platform 2024, this episode explores the origins, rise, and narrative techniques that have shaped the booming docuseries genre. Discover the impact of groundbreaking works like "The Staircase" and "Making a Murderer," and learn about the evolving role of platforms and public broadcasters in documentary production. Tune in for an insightful discussion on storytelling, character development, and the future of documentary filmmaking.

40 min
05/20/2024

Speciální epizoda: Televize a dokument 2024

Pusťte si záznam z panelové diskuze zástupců českých televizí, která proběhla na East Doc Platform 2024. Dozvíte se co se chystá v českém dokumentu a televizích, o co má zájem ČT a co chtějí komerční televize, nebo jak může fikční tvorba podpořit tu dokumentární. Diskuze se zúčastnili Milan Fridrich (ČT), Michal Reitler (TV Nova/Voyo) a Erika Hníková (TV Nova/Voyo), moderoval Radim Procházka (Asociace producentů v audiovizi). Akce proběhla díky spolupráci s Asociací producentů v audiovizi - APA.

1h 5m

True Story: a documentary video and podcast interview series; almost everything you ever wanted to know about Central and Eastern European documentary film. In-depth interviews with your curious and enthusiastic hosts, Ivona Remundova and Nicole Jennifer Adelman. This series is brought to you by the Institute of Documentary Film (dokweb.net).

Creator

Institute of Documentary Film
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

65
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Institute of Documentary Film
Show Website

True Story