Sasha Weiss

In this discussion, Sasha Weiss, Deputy Editor at The New York Times Magazine, and Ezra Edelman, acclaimed filmmaker behind O.J.: Made in America, dive into the intricate journey of creating a documentary on Prince. They reveal the unseen brilliance of the film and the tension between artistic vision and estate legalities that led to its shelving. The conversation also touches on the duality of Prince's persona, the impact of streaming platforms like Netflix on creativity, and the challenges of portraying a complex legacy.

Wesley Morris, a critic at large for The New York Times, and Sasha Weiss, deputy editor of The New York Times Magazine, dive deep into Joni Mitchell’s emotional return to the stage after her brain aneurysm. They discuss the powerful atmosphere of her Newport Folk Festival performance and its significance to fans and fellow artists. The duo explores the nuances of authenticity in live music and the profound connections between artists and audiences, illustrating how Mitchell, at 80, continues to command and inspire through her artistry.

Matthew Belloni, a founding partner at Puck, discusses the phenomenon of participation documentaries, critiquing how celebrity involvement often turns authentic narratives into polished promotional content. Joining him is Sasha Weiss, deputy editor at New York Times Magazine, who offers rare insights into the unreleased Prince documentary. They explore the artistic challenges of capturing Prince's legacy amidst estate disputes and the tension between personal storytelling and commercial interests, shedding light on the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking.