A new documentary titled “The Age of Disclosure,” released on November 21, 2025, has ignited significant discussions regarding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and alleged government secrecy. Featuring testimonies from 34 former government and military officials, including former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, the film claims that the U.S. government has concealed information about non-human technology for over 80 years. The documentary, directed by Dan Farah and executive-produced by Jay Stratton and Luis Elizondo, coincides with renewed congressional interest in UAPs.
During a special screening on Capitol Hill, attended by bipartisan lawmakers, Clapper provided a striking assertion regarding a covert U.S. Air Force program that reportedly tracked UAP over Area 51. He stated, “I’ve seen evidence of non-human craft,” a claim that has circulated widely on social media and traditional news outlets alike. This statement has intensified calls for congressional investigations, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna highlighting the issue on her social media platforms.
The documentary argues that the U.S. has not only recovered non-human craft but is also engaged in an “arms race” with this technology. Journalist Ross Coulthart, in his analysis on social media, emphasized the film’s implications regarding national security and technological advancements. While insiders advocate for greater transparency, a segment of the scientific community urges caution, demanding rigorous evidence to substantiate the claims made in the film.
Insider Claims and Official Narratives
In the documentary, Jay Stratton, former head of the Pentagon’s UAP Task Force, makes bold assertions, claiming, “I have personally seen non-human craft and non-human beings.” This testimony supports the film’s premise that multiple alien species and reverse-engineered technologies exist within classified programs. Luis Elizondo, the former director of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), corroborates this perspective, alleging a pattern of compartmentalized secrecy spanning decades.
Former Senator Harry Reid also appears in the documentary, discussing alleged retrievals of crashed craft dating back to the infamous Roswell incident. Director Farah has indicated that former President Donald Trump is pursuing the truth regarding extraterrestrial life, hinting at potential future disclosures.
The screening’s impact was noted by The New York Times, which reported the attendance of influential figures such as Rep. Marco Rubio. Coulthart praised the film’s insider admissions, urging Trump to fulfill his commitments to UAP transparency. Conversely, critics on social media platforms, including Dark Journalist, have labeled the film a “CIA big budget false UFO threat documentary,” dismissing the credibility of its featured figures.
Scientific Skepticism and the Need for Evidence
Despite the documentary’s compelling narratives, experts from Virginia Tech have called for a more measured approach. Astrobiologists emphasize that claims concerning UAP lack the peer-reviewed evidence necessary for scientific validation. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,” stated a researcher, stressing the importance of data over anecdotal testimony.
This skepticism is further underscored by recent discoveries, such as the detection of dimethyl sulfide on exoplanet K2-18b by the James Webb Space Telescope. Scientists argue that these verifiable findings, which suggest potential biosignatures, present stronger leads for the search for extraterrestrial life than unverified reports of craft recoveries.
In a review published in Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer criticized the documentary for recycling unproven narratives, pointing to past controversies surrounding Clapper, including allegations of perjury.
As congressional hearings on UAPs gain momentum, the documentary’s timing aligns with ongoing discussions among lawmakers. Reports indicate that Rubio’s presence at the screening signals a growing bipartisan interest in the subject. Social media posts highlighting Clapper’s claims have garnered significant attention, with some exceeding 100,000 views.
Critics, including Chase Gallagher, caution against potential counter-intelligence ties among featured figures, urging the public to approach the information with discernment. The debate over secret U.S. programs studying non-human phenomena continues to unfold, with the documentary prompting calls for greater declassification of information.
As the year draws to a close, the impact of “The Age of Disclosure” on UAP discourse is clear. While proponents argue that public trust has been eroded by deception, scientists remain steadfast in their demand for falsifiable evidence. The film has shifted UAP from the fringe to a matter of public policy, yet the scientific community insists that rigorous standards must be applied to any claims made.
The path forward for UAP policy remains uncertain, but congressional reactions suggest that inquiries into Clapper’s claims regarding Area 51 could be forthcoming. Farah’s insights in interviews hint that significant revelations may soon follow, particularly in light of Trump’s previous remarks on extraterrestrial life. As debates continue, the balance between insider testimonies and scientific inquiry will play a crucial role in shaping the future of UAP research.
