Patrick Forbes

Patrick Forbes’ latest film, The Price of Truth, is playing this week at the Sedona International Film Festival. His previous documentary, The Phantom, a film about how the State of Texas knowingly sent an innocent man to his death and left a serial killer at large, is now streaming on Netflix. His career began as a very junior researcher on a BBC series, when he was arrested after discovering Britain had a (secret) spy satellite. At that moment, it was clear that documentaries offered a lot more excitement and interest than his previous career as an economist. He’s gone on to become one of Britain’s best documentary directors – winning the Best Director BAFTA for his Channel 4 series The Force, Best Series BAFTA for The National Trust (BBC), and having his documentary feature about Julian Assange, Wikileaks; Secrets & Lies, premiere at SXSW, before being seen around the world.

Talks

Paying The Price of Truth in Putin’s Russia

By Patrick Forbes | February 28, 2024

Paying The Price of Truth in Putin’s Russia

In the wake of Alexei Navalny's death, Patrick Forbes spotlights the subject of his new documentary, a bold voice speaking out for justice.

The Other F-Word

By Patrick Forbes | March 24, 2022

The Other F-Word

Documentary filmmaker Patrick Forbes on the central role that fear has played in shaping his work over the years.

The Black Box of Documentary Filmmaking

By Patrick Forbes | February 15, 2022

The Black Box of Documentary Filmmaking

The Phantom director Patrick Forbes on the pivotal relationship between director and interviewee that is so crucial to a good non-fiction film.

“Tell the Truth”

By Patrick Forbes | June 29, 2021

“Tell the Truth”

Patrick Forbes on the dramatic adventures he's had in pursuit of the truth, culminating in his gripping new documentary, The Phantom.