Watch Freedom of Information Act: Files from the Black Vault

Freedom of Information Act: Files from the Black Vault is a documentary film directed by Michael J. Long and starring John Greenewald Jr. The film presents an in-depth exploration of the Freedom of Information Act, a law enacted in 1966 that provides access to federal government records to the public. Specifically, the movie focuses on Greenewald Jr.'s mission to obtain information about the classified government projects, conspiracy theories, and UFO sightings that have taken place over the past century, and that have long been kept hidden from the public eye.

The film is structured around Greenewald Jr.'s research, which he conducts through his website, The Black Vault. The site is an online repository of declassified government documents, hundreds of thousands of which Greenewald Jr. has collected, sorted, and scanned himself. Using his website as a starting point, the movie delves into the differing perspectives on the Freedom of Information Act and the ways in which it has been implemented, as well as the specific cases that Greenewald Jr. has uncovered through his research.

The documentary is divided into several key segments, each of which explores a different aspect of the Freedom of Information Act and its implications. One segment is devoted to the history of the law itself, explaining how it came into being and the different amendments that have been made over the years. Another segment focuses on the challenges associated with obtaining records under the law and the various tactics that government agencies have used to avoid releasing sensitive information. This segment highlights the important role that citizen journalists like Greenewald Jr. play in ensuring transparency and accountability in the government.

Perhaps the most compelling segments of the film are the ones that explore specific cases that Greenewald Jr. has uncovered through his research. These include records related to the CIA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs invasion, the military's handling of the 9/11 attacks, and the government's long-running interest in UFO sightings. The movie presents these cases through a combination of interviews with experts, archival footage, and reenactments, all of which provide a fascinating glimpse into top-secret government operations and the ways in which they have been kept hidden from the American public.

Throughout the film, Greenewald Jr. proves to be a compelling and engaging presence, serving both as a guide and a commentator on the complex legal and political issues surrounding the Freedom of Information Act. His passion for his work is evident, and his determination to bring transparency to the government is inspiring. However, the documentary also acknowledges the challenges that come with trying to uncover government secrets, and the frustrating limitations of the law itself.

Overall, Freedom of Information Act: Files from the Black Vault is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that should appeal to anyone with an interest in government transparency, history, or conspiracy theories. The film is informative, engaging, and at times even thrilling, as the audience is taken on a journey through some of the most secretive and controversial government operations of the past century. At its core, the movie is about the importance of openness and accountability in a democratic society, and the role that ordinary citizens can play in ensuring that these values are upheld. For anyone who cares about these issues, Freedom of Information Act: Files from the Black Vault is a must-see film.

Freedom of Information Act: Files from the Black Vault is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.