The next episode of the SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham features an exclusive conversation with Emmy-winning filmmaker Matthew O’Neill, co-director of the eye-opening new HBO documentary “Surveilled.” Co-directed with Perri Peltz, the film is available to stream on Max. “Surveilled” takes a chilling look at the growing prevalence of commercial spyware, focusing on Pegasus, a tool developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group. The spyware, capable of covertly taking over cell phones without user knowledge, has been marketed to governments as a means to combat terrorism but has increasingly been used to target journalists, activists, politicians, and everyday citizens.

The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham is proud to feature an exclusive interview with Austin Peck, the director of the moving and transformative documentary, “Ranger.” Set against the stunning backdrop of Kenya’s Maasai homeland, “Ranger” tells the compelling story of a group of 12 women who break barriers to become East Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit. As Peck shares in this insightful discussion, the film is not only about wildlife conservation but also a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Through a year-long program focused on trauma release and community transformation, these women challenge traditional norms and become symbols of hope and change within their communities.

On the next episode of the SOUNDS Podcast and SOUNDS OF FILM Radio Show, Tom Needham welcomes acclaimed filmmaker Ondi Timoner to discuss her latest documentary, "All God’s Children." Known for her incisive storytelling and ability to capture history as it unfolds, Ondi brings her unique vision to this powerful film about bridging divides between two historically marginalized communities: Brooklyn’s Black Christian and Jewish populations. Over five years, Ondi documents the unprecedented partnership between Congregation Beth Elohim, led by her sister, Rabbi Rachel Timoner, and Antioch Baptist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, as they work to overcome centuries of racism and antisemitism.

Ondi Timoner, a two-time Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for "Dig!" and "We Live in Public," has built her career exploring the cultural and psychological forces shaping society. With All God’s Children, she turns her lens toward an intimate yet deeply relevant story of faith, resilience, and reconciliation. The documentary captures the challenges and triumphs of this collaboration, from moments of profound unity to significant cultural tensions, such as a clash over a Passover celebration and a dramatic crucifixion reenactment. Through it all, Timoner highlights the hard work and courage required to foster understanding and solidarity between communities that, while different, share profound historical and social parallels.

This conversation delves into the creative and emotional process behind the film, Ondi’s reflections on working with her sister, and the ways "All God’s Children" speaks to larger societal issues. Timoner also discusses her evolving filmmaking style, which has ranged from the prescient tech commentary of "We Live in Public" to the deeply personal narrative of "Last Flight Home." Her latest project blends these approaches, offering a hopeful yet unflinching look at the power of dialogue and collaboration to address systemic injustice.

"All God's Children" is a featured selection at DOC NYC.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode, where art, activism, and faith come together in a timely exploration of how two communities can unite against hate and pave the way for broader social change.

The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The SOUNDS OF FILM Radio show airs on Thursdays on WUSB.

For more information about the show visit https://soundsoffilm.com/

On the next episode of the SOUNDS Podcast, Tom Needham speaks with Wendy Lobel, the Emmy-winning producer and director behind the new feature documentary "Anxiety Club."

In this episode of The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham, Tom speaks with acclaimed filmmaker Dori Berinstein and renowned fashion designer Kenneth Cole about their new documentary, “A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole."The film, which premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival, delves into Kenneth Cole’s extraordinary journey as a designer, activist, and entrepreneur. It explores how his work has seamlessly merged style with social impact, highlighting his trailblazing efforts in raising awareness for issues such as AIDS, homelessness, and gun safety.

On this episode of SOUNDS with Tom Needham, filmmaker Elan Golod joins the show to discuss his latest documentary, “Nathan-ism.” The film, releasing on November 15, 2024, at New York City’s Quad Cinema and later in Los Angeles and nationwide, captures the poignant journey of Nathan Hilu, an outsider artist whose life was profoundly shaped by his role as a guard to Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg Trials. At just 18, Hilu—a young man from a Syrian-Jewish immigrant family—was entrusted by the U.S. Army to guard notorious figures such as Hermann Goering, a duty that gave him an intimate view of both unimaginable evil and historic reckoning. For decades, Hilu processed these haunting memories by creating raw, vibrant artwork, leaving a legacy of sketches and notes that bear witness to his experiences.

In “Nathan-ism,” Golod examines the intersection of art, memory, and history, exploring how Hilu’s compulsive need to document his memories offers a unique lens on one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Acclaimed for its emotional depth and historical significance, “Nathan-ism” has garnered prestigious awards, including the Yad Vashem Award for Cinematic Excellence in Holocaust Documentary Filmmaking and a spot on the International Documentary Association’s shortlist for Documentary of the Year. Golod, known for his work on projects like “Sleepwalk with Me” and “Don’t Think Twice,” brings a sensitive touch to this powerful story, reflecting on how Hilu’s artwork not only preserves personal memory but also speaks to the collective need for historical understanding in today’s world.

In light of the recent election day results, The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham reposts a remarkable 2023 conversation with Scott Adams, who was facing his own controversy at the time and predicted a surprising 3rd Act movie ending to the 2024 Presidential Election that many thought was unimaginable.

In this episode of the SOUNDS Podcast, Tom Needham welcomes filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer, the director of the critically acclaimed documentary “Where’s My Roy Cohn?” Known for his award-winning work on films like “Valentino: The Last Emperor” and “Studio 54,” Tyrnauer brings his investigative storytelling to the complex, controversial life of Roy Cohn.