Jen Senko’s award-winning documentary film The Brainwashing of My Dad, which features animation by Oscar-nominated indie legend Bill Plympton, has arrived on DVD and Blu-ray via Gravitas Ventures. Available at most major online retailers, the film is a timely spotlight on the right-wing media phenomenon in the U.S.
The Brainwashing of My Dad examines the rise and influence of right-wing media through the lens of the director’s father, who changed from an open minded, nonpolitical Democrat to an angry, right-wing fanatic after his discovery of Talk Radio on a lengthened commute to work. In trying to understand how this happened, Senko finds this to be a phenomenon affecting families all over the country.
Through interviews with Noam Chomsky, David Brock, Jeff Cohen, George Lakoff, Claire Connor, Dr. Kathleen Taylor, Frank Luntz, and others, she uncovers some of the forces behind it: a plan by Roger Ailes (under Nixon) to create a TV media for the GOP, the Lewis Powell Memo, and the dismantling of the Fairness Doctrine (under Reagan) – and their consequences.
The on-disc release includes the theatrical trailer, radio/TV interviews with the filmmakers, and unreleased footage featuring Senko’s father and additional insights from experts on media, history and neuroscience.
Fresh off a successful multi-city theatrical run and VOD launch, The Brainwashing of My Dad is written, produced and directed by Jen Senko, narrated by Seko and Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things), featuring animation by Bill Plympton and produced by Adam Rackoff and Modine, with Ryan Smith and Jodie Evans as executive producers. The film is a production of JSenko Productions and Cinco Dedos Peliculas.
