Through the Lens of Ernest Cole: A Conversation with Raoul Peck

Face2Face with David Peck

Join Face2Face host David Peck as he sits down with the visionary and Oscar nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck to explore his latest masterpiece, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found. Known for his deep, transformative storytelling, Peck delves into the life of Ernest Cole, the trailblazing South African photographer who captured the stark realities of apartheid. This poignant conversation uncovers Cole’s legacy and 60,000 photographs discovered in Sweden, the profound philosophy behind his art, and the remarkable rediscovery of his lost archive. Tune in for a riveting dialogue about art, democracy, and the human spirit—where every image is a story and every story a call to action. Raoul emphasizes the importance of storytelling in challenging perceptions, fostering community, and encouraging critical thinking. He also discusses the role of citizens in democracy and the need for education and engagement in societal issues. Don't miss this extraordinary episode celebrating the intersection of activism and artistry.

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, winner of Cannes film festival documentary prize, L’Œil d’or 2024, is about, a South African photographer who was the first to expose the horrors of apartheid to a world audience. His book House of Bondage, published in 1967 when he was only 27 years old, led him into exile in NYC and Europe for the rest of his life.

Raoul Peck recounts his wanderings, his turmoil as an artist and his anger at the silence or complicity of the Western world in the face of the horrors of the Apartheid regime. He also recounts how, in 2017, 60,000 negatives of his work were discovered in the safe of a Swedish bank. Peck's, search for the soul of overlooked artist Ernest Cole, is nestled in an international thriller, delving into the complexities of race through his timeless imagery.

Look for a January 17th, 2025, for a North American VOD release: M2K Films & Photon Films and Magnolia Pictures

Raoul Peck is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and activist known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious works. Born in Haiti, Peck’s storytelling often explores themes of identity, social justice, and historical memory. His award-winning films include I Am Not Your Negro, a documentary on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, which received an Oscar nomination and widespread critical acclaim. A former Minister of Culture in Haiti, Peck’s works reflect a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging systemic injustices. With a career spanning decades, his projects have premiered at prestigious festivals such as TIFF, Berlinale, and Cannes. Through his unique lens, Peck continues to craft stories that provoke dialogue and inspire change on a global scale.

F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face. Used with permission.

For more information about David Peck’s podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.

With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound.

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