The Matt Walsh Show

Clearing the A.I.R. – The Making of Am I Racist?

26 snips
Nov 8, 2025
Justin Folk, the creative force behind 'Am I Racist?', joins the discussion to unveil the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming amid civil unrest. He shares how humor was integral in tackling difficult subjects like race, and reveals the complexities of creating compelling scenes, such as the infamous 'White Grief Council'. Folk reflects on capturing raw, candid reactions, including a provocative moment involving Robin DiAngelo. The conversation emphasizes the film's cultural impact and the mission to empower viewers to challenge societal norms.
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INSIGHT

Momentum Demands Bigger Ambition

  • The team saw momentum from What Is A Woman as a chance to go bigger and not 'limp in' with a weak follow-up.
  • They realized tackling race required scale and a sharper creative approach than a generic documentary.
ANECDOTE

Choosing Race Amid 2020 Turmoil

  • The team debated doing a film about race during summer 2020 when the topic was extremely volatile.
  • Some crew feared danger and public backlash given that cities were burning over race issues.
INSIGHT

Comedy As A Cultural Key

  • The filmmakers concluded comedy was the key to opening tough conversations about race.
  • They believed humor could 'pick the lock' and make audiences actually listen.
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