Welcome to the DMF.
I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode, Sara Alessandrini takes us inside the reckless, bold decisions that pushed her to create her documentary.

For Sara, the journey began in 2020, at the height of her growing frustration with the film industry — particularly the way safety protocols were handled as theaters attempted to reopen during the pandemic. Watching parts of the industry prioritize visibility and fame over the safety of audiences deeply disturbed her, and it became the spark that ignited a much larger mission.

Sara explains how this moment opened her eyes to the broader issues simmering beneath the surface: the accusations leveled at public figures without due process, the willingness of society to latch onto narratives without questioning them, and the way difficult conversations were being silenced. Determined to understand the truth, she connected with a community of supporters who shared her concerns, and together they set out to document what others refused to talk about.

Her film became more than a project — it became an investigation into transparency, accountability, and the cultural forces that shape public perception.

In this episode, Sara reflects on the challenges she faced, the unexpected resistance she encountered, and the insights she gained along the way. Join us as she unpacks the complexities of filmmaking, the societal issues intertwined with it, and what she discovered while daring to question the stories we’re told.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:08 - Decision to Make a Documentary

00:00:23 - Moving to New York and Starting a Business

00:01:20 - Frustration with the Movie Industry

00:02:16 - Importance of Safety and Business Ethics

00:06:12 - Experience with Workplace Complaints

00:07:50 - The Danger of 'I'm Offended'

00:09:35 - The Importance of Due Process

00:14:04 - Making the Documentary

00:15:16 - Exploring the Concept of Love and Hate in Society

00:16:17 - Finding a Community of Cuomo Supporters

00:16:54 - Social Media Usage and Its Impact

00:18:18 - The Decision to Make a Documentary

00:20:37 - The Influence of Social Movements and Political Narratives

00:22:23 - The Role and Influence of Social Media Platforms

00:26:23 - The Importance of Education in Democracy

00:26:48 - The Shift from Policy to Personality in Politics

Check out Sara's website, where you can learn more about the documentary miniseries and find links to watch it!

https://www.thisiswhatnewyorkerssay.com 

https://www.instagram.com/lasava.alessandrini/