In today’s wired world most of us enjoy the luxury of free flowing information 24 hours a day. So why does the United States government spend more time and money than ever before making sure we don’t have access to certain information? The seduction and power of secrecy is at the core of this provocative documentary from Robb Moss and Peter Galison. As the film focuses on journalists, lawyers and government officials who have spent their careers debating who should have access to crucial government data, the discussion raises important questions. Are secrets necessary for our national security? Is an informed American public the best way to fight terrorism? Where does the line exist between public safety and civil liberties? And, if secrets are necessary, who gets to know? Secrecy tactfully provides examples and insights that emphasize the pros and cons of confidentiality, while tracing the history of government secrecy. From World War II and the creation of the atom bomb through September 11 and recent abuses at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, we see the role information management has played in some this country’s biggest triumphs and tragedies. Moss and Galison combine credible talking head interviews and real-world footage with stylized animation, pertinent art pieces and expressive music to create a layered, thought provoking narrative. The issues and images of this timely, troubling documentary will stay with you for days and make you wonder about all of the things being kept from you.-- Brendan Peterson

Photographed by Stephen McCarthy, Austin de Besche. (81 min. Argot Pictures)