True/False Films

Reporter

In person: Eric Daniel Metzgar

Eric Daniel Metzgar (The Chances of the World Changing, Life. Support. Music) returns with a portrait of an idealistic, possibly foolhardy man-on-a-mission, the New York Times' Nicholas Kristof. Metzgar accompanies Kristof and a couple of fledgling assistants who have won the unenviable opportunity to go deep within the Congo where, in addition to horrible poverty, vicious warlords await. Underlying this tense, suspenseful tour of duty is Kristof's urgent desire to connect the unfolding humanitarian crisis with an aloof Western world that equates Africa with intractable problems. Seeking an emblematic person to illustrate Congo's pain for the West, Kristof hopes to combat psychic numbing and put Congo "on the map." He finds her in the ailing Yohanita, and her tragedy forms an early centerpiece of the film. With such pungent scenes alongside dreamy imagery, a rich Altman-esque soundtrack, and intuitive editing, Reporter confirms Metzgar's place as one of non-fiction's master craftsman. Sponsored by the University of Missouri in Columbia. (PS)