William Ramsey Investigates The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah with Director and Producer Michael Pack.
Nov 22, 2025
Michael Pack, a seasoned documentary filmmaker and former CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, shares insights from his film about the intense battles in Najaf and Fallujah. He details the grueling production process, including over 200 interviews and the decision to avoid narration. The conversation dives into the chaos of urban combat and the impact of Shia-Sunni tensions, highlighting powerful personal stories of veterans. Pack also reflects on the film's relevance to modern conflicts and discusses his commitment to supporting new filmmakers.
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Focus On The Last 600 Meters
- Michael Pack frames battles as stories of the "last 600 meters," focusing on frontline soldiers rather than grand strategy.
- This perspective reveals how small-unit grit and decisions shape outcomes in modern counterinsurgency.
How The Film Was Made
- Pack describes interviewing Marines and special forces in 2007 to match them to combat footage and capture firsthand accounts.
- He recorded veterans speaking directly to camera with no narration to preserve immediacy and authenticity.
Distribution Can Suppress Stories
- PBS initially declined the film for years, citing concerns it was "too pro-military," delaying public broadcast until 2023.
- This highlights how distribution choices can suppress battlefield narratives for long periods.