Why Now?

‘Why Now?’ Is a documentary about a 1966 UFO sighting in Michigan. The film intends to shed light on the federal government and University of Michigan’s lack of transparency regarding space research.

Information

Director(s): Logan Wiseman
Cast: Anthony Salvatore Vassallo, Dawon Isaiah Mulligan, Javob David Chapman
Writer(s): Logan Wiseman
Producer(s): Logan Wiseman
Status: Post-Production
Run Time: 71 Minutes
Language: English

Synopsis

"Why Now?" is a thought-provoking documentary that meticulously explores the intriguing events surrounding a UFO sighting in Michigan in 1966. That sparked the first ever congressional hearing on UFOs. The film goes through a comprehensive investigation, that unravels the layers of mystery that have shrouded this incident for decades.

At its core, the documentary aims to shed light on the apparent lack of transparency exhibited by both the federal government and the University of Michigan in the realm of space research. By delving into this specific UFO encounter, the filmmakers seek to unveil a broader narrative, questioning the motivations and agendas that might have driven the veil of secrecy surrounding such phenomena.

The film not only chronicles the details of the 1966 sighting, but also meticulously examines the subsequent actions taken by government agencies and academic institutions involved. Drawing on interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, "Why Now?" pieces together a compelling narrative that challenges the prevailing narrative of openness in space research.

Through its exploration of this historical UFO event, the documentary prompts viewers to consider the broader implications for our understanding of government transparency, scientific research, and the intersection of the two. As society becomes increasingly curious about the unknown, "Why Now?" serves as a timely and thought-provoking exploration of why certain information remains concealed and the consequences of such secrecy on our collective pursuit of knowledge.

A cover image of a book or documentary titled 'Why Now? Unveiling the Truth About UFOs.' It depicts a large alien spaceship shining a beam of light onto a satellite dish antenna during sunset, with two smaller flying saucers in the background.

Gallery

Photos behind the scenes and archival photos:

Four individuals in military uniforms engaging in conversation indoors.
Black and white photo of a group of men, including Prof. Fred T. Haddock, inspecting a 85-foot radio telescope at Peach Mountain near Dexter, on Wednesday, May 24, 1961, with a large overhanging structure above them.
A newspaper article titled 'Saucer Pictures Intrigue Nation' with two black-and-white photographs of flying objects, and text describing various sightings and investigations.
Two university students, Lloyd Cross and Gerald Cook, standing in front of a tall U-M 85-foot radio telescope on Peach Mountain in Dexter township, with a sign that reads "THU SEP 8 1950." They are dressed in suits and ties, smiling at the camera.
A textual excerpt titled 'Martian Gas' with a letter to the editor discussing flying object sightings and suggesting that 'flying saucers' are simply Martian gas, authored by Everett R. Moore.
A newspaper article titled 'UFO Sightings Called Misinterpretations,' discussing UFO reports and theories about alien spacecraft and natural phenomena, with a beige background.
A newspaper article titled "Air Force May Expand Investigation Of UFOs" discussing alleged sightings and investigations of unidentified flying objects by the U.S. Air Force, mentioning experts, military equipment, and historical context of UFO sightings.
A newspaper article with the headline "U' Professor Now Attributes UFO He Saw To Marsh Gas". The article discusses a university faculty member's sighting of marsh gas and its possible link to UFO phenomena, mentioning details about the sighting, the scientist's observations, and the scientific explanation involving marsh gas emitting a luminous glow.
A newspaper clipping titled 'Images Of Orbiting Craft' dated March 2, 1966, discussing UFO sightings from late 1960s space imagery and explaining scientific concepts related to visual perception and space photography.
Black and white newspaper front page titled "The Dexter Leader," featuring articles on UFO reports, local opinions, and a science fair, along with photographs including a group of people and a display board.
A cartoon illustration of a flying saucer above a golf course with two men, one holding a golf club, watching it. There is a flag on the golf hole and some bushes and trees in the background.
Photograph of unidentified man at a press conference, with a microphone in front of him, in a room with tall windows and other people present.
A man in a suit standing with arms crossed in front of a large satellite dish on a grassy field, with hills in the background.
A man in a suit sitting at a desk with a microphone, holding papers, in a room with windows and curtains, with U.S. flags in the background.
Hand-drawn diagram of an eye-shaped object with a quilted surface, labeled with light sources at both ends, an antenna in the center, and a semi-circular structure at the top.
A black and white photograph of a man with glasses, a mustache, and a beard, sitting at a table with microphones in front of him. He is looking at a photograph held in his hand, which appears to depict a landscape at night with a snowy scene. The man is dressed in a suit and tie, and appears to be speaking or giving a statement.
Page from a report titled "Section 1 Conclusions and Recommendations" by Edward U. Condon with highlighted text about UFO research and beliefs.
The cover page of a book titled "Hello, Out There!" by Joseph F. Goodavage, published by United Press International.
Photo of Sputnik 1958
A large radio telescope in a snow-covered landscape surrounded by a fence and sparse trees.
A stack of newspapers, with the top one titled "Flying Saucer Fiasco" and featuring an article about a supposed UFO incident.
An elderly man wearing glasses, a beige cap, and a light gray zip-up jacket sitting indoors, smiling and gesturing with his hand. Behind him a large window shows trees and parked cars outside.
A group of five diverse people standing together outdoors in a grassy park with trees and a large radio telescope in the background.
A large radio telescope dish on a metal structure surrounded by trees at sunset.
Five people standing outdoors in front of a large satellite dish, with trees and clouds in the background. The group includes two police officers, a man in a suit, a young man in casual clothing, and an older man in a plaid shirt.

Congressional hearings & Meetings