Jake Rademacher

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One of the things that fascinates me about filmmaking is the concept of authenticity. That is, the filmmakers either have to put in the time to do research for a particular film genre (veterans, ethnic films, etc) or they have to live it. For the new film BROTHERS AFTER WAR, my guest Jake Rademacher lived it. It's in his blood -- literally, as many of his siblings serve in the military -- and he's spent significant time overseas with our deployed soldiers. I felt honored to talk with a director who tells veterans' stories so eloquently.

Keep checking the BROTHERS AFTER WAR social media on when it'll be available for screening near you. And I hope you enjoy this episode with one of the most authentic voices for military veteran stories you’ll ever hope to meet. 

In this episode, Jake and I discuss:

• how he created such a unique and genuine film series about his "brothers" -- both familial and military;
• how he created such an authentic film about war and after war;
• what made him decide to get into filmmaking and how he had the resilience to go into war zones with just a camera;
• advice he has for other documentary filmmakers -- "don't make a film during a global pandemic"; they were the first film back in Italy; "get a pen out, a piece of paper out, and ask yourself why you want to make yourself this film? and why do they need to see it?;
• his thoughts on the political response to Matthew Heineman's film RETROGRADE and how he handled his relationship with the DoD -- "I always have final cut";
• what did he leave out? where does it go too far for a cinéma vérité documentary filmmaker?
• would he consider making a narrative film? is documentary the best way to share veterans' stories?
• if he wants to turn it into a Richard Linklater BEFORE type series and what's next for him;
• how Christian filmmakers have inspired a model for veteran films.

Jake's Indie Film Highlight: FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN'S JOURNEY (2024) dir. by Richard Hull; Justin Roberts

Links:

Follow @brothersafterwar on Instagram

BROTHERS AFTER WAR Website