Bryan Fogel Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Bryan Fogel is an American filmmaker, writer, and human rights advocate whose work has reshaped the landscape of investigative documentary filmmaking. Born in Denver, Colorado, Fogel began his career in Hollywood as a stand-up comedian and actor. He had a small role in the 2009 Disney film Race to Witch Mountain. However, his creative journey took a significant turn when he co-wrote and starred in the off-Broadway play Jewtopia, a comedy exploring Jewish identity and dating. The play's success led to a feature film adaptation, marking Fogel's transition into directing and producing. In 2017, Fogel gained international acclaim with his documentary Icarus. What began as a personal experiment to investigate doping in amateur cycling evolved into a groundbreaking exposé of Russia’s state-sponsored doping program. The film's revelations led to the International Olympic Committee banning Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics. Icarus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award and the Audience Choice Award. It was later acquired by Netflix and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018. Fogel continued his commitment to uncovering global injustices with The Dissident (2020), a documentary about the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The film delves into the dangers faced by journalists and the suppression of dissent, earning a nomination for Best Documentary at the BAFTA Awards. In 2022, Fogel released Icarus: The Aftermath, a follow-up that further examines the consequences of the doping scandal and its broader implications. Beyond filmmaking, Fogel is an active speaker and advocate. He has delivered keynote addresses at the Oslo Freedom Forum and appeared on major platforms such as ABC Nightline, Charlie Rose, and NPR. His work and insights continue to inspire discussions on ethics, transparency, and the power of storytelling in effecting change.