“The Truth Will Set You Free” at The Marquette Fringe Festival October 2026

A powerful award-winning short documentary, "The Truth Will Set You Free", is a deeply intimate look at friendship, addiction, and redemption. Filmed over four years, the film follows two longtime friends—Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski and Shane Krueger—as they navigate the struggles of addiction, loss, and ultimately, reconnection. Directed by Appleton filmmaker David Jackson, "The Truth Will Set You Free" was co-produced by Jackson & Co.’s David Jackson and Adam Koepke. The project's executive producer, Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski is a former Midwest rock and roll photographer turned storyteller.

A Story of Music, Friendship, and Redemption: In this intimate documentary, Marty Sosnowski openly shares his journey through addiction, the tragic loss of close friends, and his fight for sobriety. From photographing legendary bands like The Ramones and Motörhead to struggling with personal demons, Marty’s story highlights the powerful role of truth and storytelling in his path to healing. At the heart of the film is his profound friendship with Shane Krueger, a fellow music lover and longtime owner of Appleton Imports, a beloved local record store. Their friendship, fractured by time and addiction, is tested as they attempt to reconnect and rebuild what was lost.

The Journey Behind the Film: Marty Sosnowski built a career as a rock photographer across the Midwest before returning to Appleton, WI. After achieving sobriety, he turned to storytelling as a way to give back to the community. Shane Krueger, a fellow Appleton native, was the longtime owner of Appleton Imports, a record store that served as a hub for diehard music lovers for decades. David Jackson’s connection to both men runs deep. He met Sosnowski in 2013, shortly after his sobriety began, and the two formed a strong friendship.