Chilean filmmaker Cristóbal Valenzuela Berríos first encountered the True/False Film Festival, renowned for its springtime celebration of documentaries, while attending a festival in Japan some years ago. He vividly remembers seeing filmmakers donning beanies adorned with the festival’s logo, sparking his curiosity about an event solely dedicated to nonfiction cinema — albeit on the other side of the globe in Columbia, Missouri. Witnessing such fervent dedication bestowed True/False with an almost mythical status in his mind, ranking it high on his list of festivals to attend.
This year, Valenzuela Berríos finally made the journey to the quaint college town with an insatiable appetite for real-life tales. There, he showcased his latest unconventional documentary, “Alien Island,” exploring a renowned UFO incident in Chile with an intriguing link to the Pinochet dictatorship.
Reflecting on the festival, he expressed, “The filmmakers who had come through here seemed enchanted by the mystique of the festival. I always wanted to come to see why people were so delighted.”
Driven by his eagerness to attend, Valenzuela Berríos defied his producers’ concerns and traveled from Santiago for a brief visit, despite being engrossed in the production of his third feature film back home. But what makes True/False so extraordinary?
Since its inception in 2004, the Ragtag Film Society has fostered a devoted local audience, ranging from cinephile retirees to inquisitive students, who pack every screening during the four-day documentary extravaganza. Whether it’s a thought-provoking piece from Madagascar or an emotionally resonant Norwegian production, True/False captivates with its diverse lineup.
The festival exudes a sense of communal pride, with its tight-knit atmosphere and convenient layout, where every theater and venue is within walking distance of downtown. Despite its local roots, True/False has a global reach, attracting filmmakers and press from around the world.
Director Lance Oppenheim’s first encounter with True/False left a lasting impression, particularly the whimsical March March carnival procession, where the community comes together in colorful attire to celebrate documentary films.
Returning to True/False for the world premiere of his latest film, “Spermworld,” Oppenheim appreciated the opportunity for his work to be showcased before a large audience, fostering meaningful discussions and reflections.
Oppenheim values True/False for its exclusive focus on nonfiction works, allowing each film’s unique narrative style to shine. In contrast to festivals where documentaries often compete with fiction films, True/False provides a dedicated space for nonfiction storytelling to flourish.
Similarly, Valenzuela Berríos believes that True/False’s niche focus on documentaries offers a platform for filmmakers to connect and share their distinct voices, away from the overshadowing presence of fiction films.
For first-time director Rachel Elizabeth Seed, True/False provided the perfect platform for the world premiere of her deeply personal documentary, “A Photographic Memory,” eliciting a standing ovation from a captivated audience.
The festival’s eclectic curation ensures that audiences are treated to a wide array of nonfiction storytelling, from heartfelt narratives to thought-provoking social commentaries, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional notions of documentary filmmaking.
Indeed, True/False offers a vibrant tapestry of nonfiction storytelling, reflecting the diverse spectrum of human experiences and perspectives, making it a must-attend event for filmmakers and audiences alike.
