“Almost There” co-directors Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wickenden stand behind their subject, artist Peter Anton. Courtesy of Dan Rybicky.

Dan Rybicky is one of the most passionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He doesn’t just teach film or make films–he exudes film through his very pores. When I took Dan’s class on the work of John Cassavetes and Robert Altman, I felt like I was on one of their film sets–complete with overlapping dialogue and the intoxicating adrenaline of artists hellbent on capturing some essence of truth. When I heard that Dan was co-directing a new documentary for Kartemquin Films with Aaron Wickenden (“The Interrupters”), I knew that I had to have him on my podcast. The film, “Almost There,” tells the fascinating story of 79-year-old artist Peter Anton, and the exhibition of his epic illustrated autobiography that ended up garnering unexpected controversy. For clips, check out the film’s Vimeo link here.

The program was produced at Columbia College Chicago. Technical producer was Rebecca Nystedt. An Indie Outlook Production.