Hi Everyone, 

I’ve long considered the 1971 Lake Cote photograph one of the most striking images in UFO history. A government mapping camera captured a sharply defined disc over a Costa Rican lake, and more than half a century later, we’re still discussing what it shows. In this conversation, I’m joined by investigator Esteban Carranza and filmmaker Adam Pillon, whose documentary, The Cote Photo, gives this case the attention it deserves.

My main interest was the photograph itself, and we spend a good deal of time on its history, the examination of the negative, and the extraordinary detail preserved in the newer drum scan. Very impressive. Esteban explains how he inherited the contact copy that made that scan possible. We also discuss the skeptical explanations, which I don’t find convincing, and the refreshing fact that Costa Rica makes this evidence available for people to examine.

But the human stories drew me in more than I expected. We talk about cartographer Sergio Loaiza’s lifelong experiences, other encounters around the Arenal region, and the reluctance people feel about sharing something that could expose them to ridicule. I thought the film captured these people very nicely, and I enjoyed getting to explore both the evidence and those personal stories with Esteban and Adam.

Finally, I found both of these gentlemen to be great to talk to. Genuine, honest, sincere. Impossible not to like them. 

I hope you enjoy this one!

Richard