Truth & Documentary

Truth & Documentary is an independent workshop rooted in the traditions of journalism, communications, ethnography, and cinema. Based in Chicago, at the intersection of the Great Plains and Great Lakes, T&D serves social causes, recognizes overlooked characters and chronicles the power of art and the culture of capitalism; strengthened by explosive weather and nourished by a fertile landscape of corn and rust.

T&D values are working for social justice; enriching our region; and experimentation - risk taking, evaluation and synthesis to create knowledge for all. T&D subscribes to the Chicago Media Standards and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment.

Truth & Documentary was founded by Ben Kolak in 2020 to progress the model of Scrappers Film Group, which Ben also founded and managed from 2012-2020. Truth & Documentary maintains the Scrappers Film Group archive, and continues to serve non-profits, artists, journalism outlets and other documentary filmmakers to fund original documentaries designed to inspire audiences to question the familiar and build empathy.