Who Killed Alex Odeh? | Jason Osder and William Lafi Youmans on Justice, Media and Political Violence
In 1985, Palestinian American teacher, poet and activist Alex Odeh was killed by a bomb at his office in Santa Ana, California. More than forty years later, nobody has been charged with his murder.
Directors Jason Osder and William Lafi Youmans join Bria to discuss Who Killed Alex Odeh?, their documentary examining the assassination, the investigation and a family’s long wait for accountability.
Jason, director of Let the Fire Burn, and Will, who grew up hearing Alex’s story within the Arab American community, explain how their different backgrounds shaped the film. We explore their collaboration with investigative journalist David Sheen, the challenges of assessing testimony and the media narratives that influence whose stories are remembered.
We also discuss:
Who Killed Alex Odeh? received the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Journalistic Excellence at Sundance 2026.
This episode is part of Stream Close Up’s coverage of the Stockholm International Film Festival.
Trailer: Who Killed Alex Odeh?
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