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George Orwell's writings, warning of the dangers of totalitarian and authoritarian states,

gave the English language the term Orwellian.

A new documentary argues that Orwell's greatest fears are coming true.

William Brangham talked with the director about his new film, which is in theaters nationwide.

The very concept of objective truth is fading out of this world.

I'm going to set down what I dare not say aloud to anyone.

This prospect frightens me much more than bombs.

In his new film, Orwell, 2 plus 2 equals 5,

director Raul Peck offers what is in part a biography of the visionary novelist, essayist, and social critic George Orwell,

best known for 1984 and Animal Farm.

But Peck's film also serves as a jarring reminder of Orwell's clearest warnings about

inequality, the pernicious nature of the surveillance state, and the lengths to which leaders

will distort the truth to retain power. Raul Peck joins us now.

Welcome back to the program.

Thank you.

One of your last films about James Baldwin was incredibly timely in its moment.

This film, even more so, as I think audiences are now seeing,

...