Overview
Director Dan Farah—known for the investigative series The Age Of Disclosure—appeared in Deadline’s Contenders documentary to describe what he calls a covert “Cold War” over alien technology. Farah argues that the competition to acquire, reverse‑engineer, or conceal extraterrestrial artifacts has become a hidden driver of U.S. and foreign policy, influencing everything from budget allocations to diplomatic posturing. The documentary, slated for a limited theatrical run and streaming rollout later this year, seeks to pull back the curtain on the secretive mechanisms that shape public perception of UFOs and UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).
The Documentary’s Premise
The Age Of Disclosure blends archival footage, whistle‑blower testimony, and on‑the‑ground reporting to map a timeline of government secrecy dating back to the 1940s. In the new Contenders feature, Farah explains that the film’s central thesis is not that alien craft are “flying saucers” in the popular sense, but that advanced, non‑human technology—if it exists—represents a strategic asset. “What we’re seeing is a modern‑day arms race,” Farah told Deadline. “Two superpowers are quietly racing to secure any breakthrough that could tilt the balance of power, whether it’s propulsion, materials science, or energy generation.” The documentary follows a series of declassified reports, congressional hearings, and interviews with former defense officials who hint at a classified “technology acquisition” program operating parallel to the public UAP investigations.
Geopolitical Stakes
The “cold war” analogy draws on historical parallels with the nuclear arms race, where secrecy and brinkmanship defined international relations. Farah points to recent Pentagon releases—such as the 2023 UAP report and the establishment of the All‑Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)—as evidence that the United States is institutionalizing its own investigative apparatus. At the same time, intelligence analysts have noted a surge in Chinese and Russian interest in reverse‑engineering recovered debris, a claim Farah backs with statements from a former U.S. Navy pilot who warned that “our adversaries are not just watching; they’re actively trying to replicate any foreign tech they can get their hands on.” The documentary suggests that this hidden competition could influence budget decisions, with billions earmarked for “exotic propulsion” research that may or may not have extraterrestrial origins.
Public Perception and Disclosure
Despite the high‑level secrecy, public curiosity about UFOs has surged, fueled by the 2022 CIA acknowledgment of historical investigations and the 2023 congressional hearing that featured former Pentagon officials. Farah argues that the government’s selective disclosure strategy—releasing tantalizing snippets while withholding full data—serves to manage public expectations and prevent panic. “When you give people just enough to keep them interested, you maintain control over the narrative,” he said. The documentary examines how media outlets, think‑tanks, and advocacy groups have shaped the discourse, often oscillating between outright denial and sensational speculation. By presenting a balanced mix of verified documents and expert analysis, Farah hopes the film will encourage a more nuanced public conversation.
Looking Ahead
The Age Of Disclosure is positioned to debut at the upcoming Contenders Film Festival in Los Angeles, with plans for a broader release on major streaming platforms. Industry insiders note that the film’s timing aligns with a wave of legislative proposals aimed at increasing transparency around UAP investigations, including the 2025 “UAP Transparency Act” currently under Senate review. Farah cautions that real progress will require bipartisan oversight and a willingness to confront the “hidden agendas” that have long dictated the secrecy surrounding extraterrestrial research. Whether the documentary will catalyze policy change or simply add another voice to an already crowded field remains to be seen, but its emphasis on geopolitical realities offers a fresh lens through which to view the enduring mystery of alien technology.
