American Aria was created by Kal Spelletich a San Francisco-based artist known for exploring the intersections of technology, politics, and art. His activist-oriented work critiques power structures and uses art as a tool for political commentary. Known for his pioneering work in robotic and mechanized art, American Aria builds upon his decades-long commitment to using art as a vehicle for social change.

James Davis, an Irish filmmaker and activist, collaborated with Kal Spelletich on the creation of American Aria, overseeing the editing process and reviewing hundreds of hours of source footage to shape the final six-hour-and-eleven-minute film. His deep understanding of narrative and visual storytelling amplifies Spelletich’s vision, highlighting the political and cultural significance of the piece.

This project was inspired and informed by Spelletich’s conversations with Emmy-nominated journalist AC Thompson, whose investigations into American fascism for PBS and ProPublica have been crucial in shaping the thematic focus of the work. 

Most of the archival footage was captured by Independent Freelance Journalist and filmmaker Ford Fischer.

OA JET Productions is run by Oakwood Arts a nonprofit organization in Richmond, VA focused on creative workforce development for those who are currently underrepresented in the creative industries. Contributors from Oakwood Arts Video Editors include Coby Flanagan, Jacob Simmons, Zachary Kongolo, Antonio Smith, and Yuna Lee, and Graphic Designers Coby Flanagan, Camille Jones, and Joseph Walker.

American Aria was made possible by the generous support of Michael Schewel.