The age-old debate surrounding whether art exists for its own sake or for a purpose continues to captivate minds and stir discussions, transcending generations with no definitive answer. Does art exist solely for its intrinsic beauty and aesthetic pleasure, or should it also serve as a catalyst for change, carrying messages and reflecting society’s flaws? The answer to this question remains elusive, residing in the vast shades of gray that define the human experience.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that both approaches, intrinsic beauty and societal impact, enrich our lives, offering profound insights, knowledge, and the opportunity to engage with the complexities of our world.
Fictional works of art, such as paintings, novels, and feature films, have long ignited these debates, inviting us to delve into their deeper meanings. Conversely, documentaries often occupy a relatively neutral ground, presenting a starting point for understanding the world around us. However, within the realm of factual storytelling, a crucial category emerges: documentaries that champion human rights.
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Aware of their inherent power, advocates harness artistic mediums like feature documentaries to raise awareness and amplify unheard voices. Human rights organizations have even established annual film festivals dedicated to showcasing these impactful works. Documentaries play a pivotal role in unearthing underreported human rights violations, shedding light on the darkest corners of our world.
In this issue, The Reporter Magazine aims to cast a spotlight on award-winning feature documentaries and powerful photographs that confront the difficult realities the world often chooses to ignore, amplifying the voices of those unheard, shedding light on their struggles and striving to provoke meaningful dialogue and action.
“Wandering: A Rohingya Story”
Directed by Melanie Carrier and Olivier Higgins, “Wandering: A Rohingya Story” weaves a narrative that exposes the harsh realities faced by abandoned victims in Myanmar. The film looks into the Kutupalong refugee camp, known as the largest refugee camp worldwide, where over 700,000 individuals sought asylum in Bangladesh, fleeing genocide in Myanmar.
The directors credit their awakening to this humanitarian crisis to a shocking Facebook post by documentary photographer Renaud Philippe in February 2018.
“It was following this shocking Facebook post that we became aware of the sheer extent of this major humanitarian crisis that has received so little media coverage,” they stated. In fact, Philippe’s post brought the vast scale of the Rohingya refugee crisis to the world’s attention.
Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation and profoundly moved by Renaud’s powerful photographs, the directors decided to join forces and create a film that would serve as a clarion call, alerting the public to the tragedy of the Rohingyas in exile.
The documentary, released in 2020, garnered critical acclaim, earning the prestigious Ted Rogers Best Feature Length Documentary at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.
“Don’t Forget Them”
In “Don’t Forget Them,” directed by KamaranKarym, the unforgiving realities faced by the Kurds take center stage. Often referred to as “the most famous unknown people in the world,” the Kurds find themselves caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts, leading to their displacement and suffering.
The documentary follows a volunteer doctor on a medical mission to Kurdish refugee camps, shining a spotlight on the harsh conditions endured by these resilient individuals. It serves as a poignant call to action, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis faced by the Kurds, one of the largest stateless populations on Earth, a people who some say have “no friends but the mountains.”
Released in 2020, the documentary received accolades such as the ‘Best Feature Documentary’ award at the Bridges Golden Pegasus Awards and the ‘Audience Award’ at the Dublin Film Festival.
“We’re Still Breathing: Amhara Genocide in Ethiopia”
Directed by Graham Peebles, “We’re Still Breathing: Amhara Genocide in Ethiopia” sheds light on the tragic plight of the Amhara people in the Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. It lays bare the horrific atrocities they’ve endured – a story that has been tragically overlooked by Western governments and media.
The director does not shy away from portraying the multifaceted violence inflicted upon the Amhara people. However, his purpose goes beyond simply shocking viewers.
By giving voice to the suffering and amplifying calls for international intervention, Peebles’ documentary aims to bring this crisis to the forefront of global attention. It compels viewers to confront a hidden truth and potentially influence the international community to take a stand for the Amhara people.
According to the director, the purpose includes “calling on western governments (the US, EU and UK in particular), to apply pressure on the Government”.
Released in 2023, the documentary has received prestigious awards, including the Global Film Festival Awards (GFFA) for Best Documentary and the World Film Festival in Cannes award for Best Human Rights Film.
“A Poignant Shot from Gaza”
Sometimes, a single photograph has the power to capture the essence of an entire struggle. Reuter’s photographer Mohammad Salem achieved such a feat with his poignant shot from Gaza.
The photograph depicts a 36-year-old Palestinian woman, Inas Abu Maamar, squatting on the ground in the morgue, sobbing and tightly embracing the lifeless body of her 5-year-old niece. The heart-wrenching image serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities endured by civilians in Gaza. The moment frozen in time encapsulates the devastating impact of an Israeli strike, leaving behind grief and despair.
This powerful photograph, taken on October 17, 2023, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, earned the prestigious accolade of the ‘2024 World Press Photo of the Year’ award.
Through the lens of impactful documentaries and powerful photographs, we have the privilege to confront the difficult truths of our world, amplify the voices of those unheard, and inspire meaningful change.
