LAFF 2012 Documentary Reviews: Words of Witness & Reportero
Today, in our series of LAFF reviews, two stories of journalism from two different parts of the world with a lot in common: Words of Witness & Reportero.
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Words of Witness
Official Synopsis: Updating your Facebook status is a political act in this visceral, on-the-ground documentary of a 21st century revolution in progress. When the Egyptian people rose up against President Mubarak, Heba Afify was a 22-year-old journalist for an English-language paper. Her Facebook and Twitter accounts, along with those of many young Egyptians, become essential weapons in bringing down the former regime, a means to rally support and focus the movement’s strength.
Director Mai Iskander follows Afify into the homes and offices of protestors, organizers and citizens caught up in revolutionary fervor, providing a thrilling perspective on a populace rising up to demand the right to live their own lives.
Thoughts: Words of Witness takes you in the heart of the Egyptian revolution as we follow a young blogger, Heba, who is trying to convey the truth as she experiences it in a world ever changing. This was a gripping documentary on a very current topic with compelling subjects that is well delivered. Heba is a great guide into this country in turmoil. You find yourself rooting for her and the country as a whole to overcome their challenges. A must see.
Favorite moment: Heba walking into the secret police headquarters with a camera. So scary yet so compelling.
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Words of Witness will have another screening at LAFF on Wednesday, Jun 20th 7:40pm at Regal L.A. LIVE 9.
You can watch the trailer for Words of Witness below.
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Reportero
Official Synopsis: Bernardo Ruiz’s powerful portrayal of dedicated reporter/photojournalist Sergio Haro and Zeta, the political weekly for which he works, is a disturbing look at the role of the free press in modern Mexico. Haro and his fellow writers must endure constant threats as they expose the corruption that permeates every level of the Mexican judicial and political systems and incur the wraith of the narco-traffickers. Not even the brutal (and unsolved) murders of several colleagues can deter these brave men and women from their principles as journalists and their unflagging efforts to expose the truth, no matter what the cost.
Thoughts: We follow Sergio Haro and his colleagues as they investigate and report on the ongoing narco-trafficking in Mexico. We are exposed to the intrigue, tragedy and struggles that mexican journalists are confronted with. Instead of the usual 10 second snippet on your evening news, this is an incisive look into a troubling issue that is not so far from us. Great documentary for anyone interested in the topic of journalism.
Favorite moment: Sergio Haro talking about his love for the job and how he would never give it up. Inspiring stuff.
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
Reportero is having another screening tonight, Monday, Jun 18th 7:50pm at Regal L.A. LIVE 9.
You can watch the trailer for Reportero below.
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