JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION
MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2023
Session 2: Storytelling and the Power of Media to Reveal the Truth
29 June 2023, Tuesday at 10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)
The Media and Journalism Webinars is an online certificate program organized by the Journalist and Writers Foundation (JWF) to equip aspiring journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. These webinars provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism. With a focus on promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and democracy, the webinars delve into crucial topics such as human rights, responsible journalism, and the impact of technology on the media landscape.
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field. In its 4th year of this virtual certificate program, JWF hosted participants of young journalists and media members from 29 different countries as well as 11 notable expert speakers from 6 countries.
In the second session on “The Role of Media in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights,” Journalist and Writers Foundation was honored to hear from esteemed documentary filmmakers and journalists who delved into the profound impact of storytelling on raising awareness of human rights violations and societal issues. The speakers shared their inspiring journeys, challenges, and unwavering commitment to authenticity and truthfulness in their work, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling as a catalyst for social change.
Jørgen Lorentzen "A Gift from God": A Journey into Turkey's Aftermath
Jørgen, a distinguished documentary filmmaker and journalist, took us on an immersive journey into his latest work, “A Gift from God.” This poignant documentary explores the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016 and the subsequent crackdown on journalists and dissidents by President Erdoğan’s government.
“Documentary filmmaking is a responsibility—a responsibility to truthfully portray the human stories that shape our world.” – Jørgen
Motivated by personal connections to Turkey, his background as a journalist, and a deep-rooted commitment to human rights issues, Jørgen embarked on this powerful project. “A Gift from God” delves into the harrowing experiences of Turkish journalists who faced arrest and imprisonment due to their critical views of the government. Despite facing backlash and threats, Jørgen remains dedicated to using documentary filmmaking as a formidable tool to shed light on the importance of press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists and activists working in oppressive environments.
Firdoze Bulbulia and Faith Isiakpere: Empowering Voices Through Documentary Filmmaking
Firdoze, an activist and documentary producer from South Africa, and Faith, a filmmaker raised in the UK with a profound passion for African storytelling, captivated us with their experiences of using documentary filmmaking to empower voices and raise awareness of human rights violations.
“Documentary filmmaking allows us to give a voice to the voiceless, making their stories resonate globally.” – Firdoze
Firdoze’s work on the documentary “Homeland” magnifies the stories of refugees from all corners of the world, challenging misconceptions and exposing the manifold challenges they endure. Faith’s unwavering commitment to telling African stories from an African perspective has led him to collaborate with musicians in “Homeland,” shedding light on the plight of refugees in a unique and compelling manner.
Both filmmakers ardently emphasized the paramount importance of using media and journalism as a powerful means to bring attention to marginalized communities and their struggles. Their dedication to authenticity and giving a voice to the voiceless is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in driving social change and promoting human rights.
Ethics and Responsibility in Documentary Filmmaking: Jørgen’s Insights
Jørgen shared invaluable insights into his approach to working with victims and interviewees in sensitive and challenging situations, such as covering conflict-related issues in Turkey. He underscored the profound importance of ethics and safety in critical journalism and documentary filmmaking.
Building trust with interviewees, respecting their safety, and obtaining their consent are paramount in capturing authentic and compelling stories. He shared the challenges of finding interviewees in risky environments and the significance of protecting their identities when necessary.
The discussion was a poignant reminder of the responsibility and courage required in storytelling that involves human rights violations and conflicts. It underlined the significance of being respectful, patient, and ethical in documentary filmmaking, which serves as a medium to amplify the voices of those affected by injustice and human rights abuses.
“In documentary filmmaking, ethical responsibility towards our subjects is the cornerstone of truth-telling.” – Jørgen
Question and Answer: Impact of Documentary Films and Navigating Truth in Storytelling
The audience engaged in a thought-provoking exchange with the speakers, exploring the impact of documentary films and the challenges of navigating truth in storytelling.
Firdoze and Faith shared touching accounts of positive responses from audiences for their films on critical topics, highlighting the importance of truthfulness and accurate representation when dealing with marginalized communities and issues. Regarding starting a podcast on sensitive topics in restricted environments, the speakers offered valuable advice, encouraging the exploration of alternative distribution methods while remaining anchored in authenticity, democracy, and human rights principles.
On the critical matter of navigating truth and fact-checking, the speakers emphasized the need for criticality and rigorous verification to ensure accuracy and integrity in storytelling.
The session celebrated the transformative power of storytelling in documentary filmmaking and journalism. Through their dedication and ethical approach, the speakers demonstrated the potential of storytelling as a catalyst for understanding, empathy, and action. Their invaluable insights inspire us to continue our mission of promoting and protecting human rights through responsible and authentic storytelling.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
JØRGEN LORENTZEN, Film Producer of A Gift from God, Integral Film AS, Norway
Jørgen Lorentzen is a Producer at Integral Film AS, journalist and professor of gender studies at the University of Oslo. Lorentzen studied literature and worked as a journalist and editor at a publishing company during his early career. He has produced more than 15 films, including the documentary film Kayayo that was short-listed for an Oscar at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. He also directed and produced the critically acclaimed documentary about the political and human rights crackdown of Turkey: A Gift from God. In addition to this he has published several books, among them “Masculinity: Men in Literature and film” (2004), “Gender studies – An introduction” (2008), “Men in the Nordic Countries” (2008), “History of Fatherhood in Norway” (2012).
FIRDOZE BULBULIA, Producer, Homeland - Documentary, South Africa
Firdoze Bulbulia is the Chairperson of The Children and Broadcasting Foundation for Africa (CBFA) hosted the 5th World Summit on Media for Children in 2007 and produced several multi-media productions for radio and television. Firdoze is an international trainer, producer, creating media solutions especially for women and children. She served two mandates as President of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People. She is the co-founder of ABC (Africa’ Best Channel- a children and youth television channel in Nigeria), as well as African Animation Studio focusing on Pan-African Animations. She has produced 6-feature films and is currently producing a Legacy Project on Former President Nelson Mandela “Mandela’s Africa” as well as a feature-length documentary on “A song for Refugees”. She is the Festival Director of The Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival and former Festival Director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival (2019).
FAITH ISIAKPERE, Director , Homeland - Documentary, South Africa
Faith Isiakpere worked internationally for many broadcasters including Thames TV, Channel 4, Central TV, and as a Senior Producer for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). A Life Member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) as well as other major television networks both in Europe and the US, his notable achievements have been a series of documentaries culminating in a six- part special ‘Black Britain’ a look at the black immigrant population. He produced and directed many documentaries, dramas, music videos, and a book on the UK Band UB40. Faith Isiakpere is a globally renowned filmmaker, producer and seasoned broadcaster. His skills are always called on when any novice African broadcaster is starting out and requires expertise in this specialized area of media.