Actor Dean Haglund is obsessed with conspiracy theories, extraterrestrials, paranormal activity, and an assortment of quantum consciousness hypotheses. It’s a bit of a problem. He knows it. But it’s probably what gave him a leg up for the role of computer hacker Richard “Ringo” Langly in the hit television show The X-Files.
A new film by director Phil Leirness called ‘The Truth Is Out There’ chronicles the actor’s journey to find out why these topics put such a stranglehold on his mind, and why they’ve possessed millions of other people similarly over the millennia. The film premiered in London on April 30, 2011, at the British Film Institute’s National Film Theatre.
Writer Robin Ramsay has suggested that “… the most significant factor in the recent rise of conspiracy theories is the existence of real conspiracies.” Other journalists offer real cover ups as the basis, citing Watergate as an example.
“The simple reason conspiracy theories exist is because people lie,” said Phil Leirness. “Our film delves deeper. We look at why individuals and cultures attach to the supernatural and alternative explanations.”
‘The Truth Is Out There’ seeks the truth but also asks: Can you handle it? The documentary adds substance to subject matter viewers are unlikely to see on the nightly news including UFOs, extraterrestrial life, ghosts, quantum consciousness and popular conspiracy theories.
‘The Truth Is Out There’ isn’t another tabloid TV-style documentary seeking to prove the existence of the supernatural and conspiracy plots. Rather, it’s a film about the underlying significance of obsession and why new conspiracy theories crop up. Viewers follow Dean Haglund as he embarks on a journey of inner discovery with his therapist Dr. Nicki Monti to determine if there is a spiritual dimension that all humans share which draws them to unexplained phenomena. Dean and producers Lyle Skosey and Phil Leirness travel the globe, using their ‘insider’ status, to interview conspiracy theorists, researchers, authors, journalists, New Age devotees, scientists and artists.
The film is an ambitious undertaking packing more than 30 interviews into 141 minutes of pure infotainment bliss. Who knew conspiracy theories could be so much fun?
But the real stars of ‘The Truth Is Out There’ are, collectively, known as “The Friends of TRUTH.” These professionals include individuals like actors Chase Masterson and Eric and Eliza Roberts; comedian Claudia Christian; UFO researchers Richard Dolan, Peter Davenport, Jordan Maxwell, and Dr. Roger Leir; talk show hosts Alex Jones, Rob Simone; authors G. Edward Griffin, Tucker Smallwood, and David Sereda, plus many more including a Lone Gunmen reunion with actors Bruce Harwood and Tom Braidwood.
“This is one of those films that you will have to watch more than once. It’s a timeless piece of work and destined to become a legend,” said John Bryan, CEO of SLIDETV Studios.
“It’s is not just a film – it’s an event and the launch of a franchise. The producers made the movie without the backing of any major studios or distribution partners. Using the power of the internet, social media, and viral marketing Haglund and Leirness could leverage the commercial success of this venture into a multi-million dollar franchise. How long before we see Dean Haglund inspired secret agent action figures with red socks and other related merchandise?” added Bryan.
