Michael Pack

Michael Pack, a filmmaker and president of Palladium Pictures, dives into his documentary 'The Last 600 Meters,' focused on the brutal battles of Najaf and Fallujah. He reveals the journey of creating the film, highlighting the human stories amidst combat and valor. Explore the political decisions that influenced military strategy, the ongoing insurgency despite tactical victories, and the personal toll of war on Marines. Pack also discusses the importance of recognizing veterans’ service and the significance of moral injury in their experience.

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.

Michael Pack, a filmmaker and founder of Palladium Pictures, joins Jan Bender, a Marine Corps combat photographer, for an engaging discussion. They explore the intense transformation Marines undergo during training and share harrowing stories from urban warfare in Iraq. Bender recounts his experiences capturing combat imagery in Fallujah, while Pack previews his new documentary highlighting the Afghanistan withdrawal. They emphasize the emotional power of storytelling in military filmmaking and the importance of preserving Marine traditions.

Julie Kelly, an investigative journalist focused on January 6th, discusses the latest developments in the pipe-bomb investigation, raising questions about media accountability and evidence transparency. Colonel Scott Cuomo, a Marine veteran, shares gripping stories from intense urban combat in Najaf, detailing the physical and tactical challenges faced by Marines under stringent rules of engagement. Filmmaker Michael Pack talks about the long journey of getting their documentary, The Last 600 Meters, to PBS, highlighting the legacy of the Marine Corps and its significance.

Michael Pack, a documentary filmmaker and former head of the US Agency for Global Media, discusses his Iraq War film, *The Last 600 Meters*. He shares insights on how documentaries serve as a 'second draft of history,' capturing the emotional truth of war. Pack reflects on how perceptions of military stories have changed over time and argues that all war films inherently convey anti-war messages. He also highlights the challenges faced by non-woke filmmakers in a politically charged industry and the importance of representing diverse perspectives.