The Bang Bang Club film: a journalist viewfinder
The movie is heartfelt — something worth remembering watching that makes you stare the screen even if it already ended. It leaves you thinking, questioning and discovering your inner self. The anxiety builds up with the continuous contemplation of what lies at the end of the path we are presenting wandering into.
Reality hits you
I often admire the great photos every photojournalist produce but unconsciously, failing to consider their daily struggles to return with these exceptional shots. Every cover, assignment, or project they accept means being at risk with any phenomenon. It does not matter where or when because anything can happen. In which, the same also goes for each rejection, even if you risked your life for every shot, if it’s associated with politics, all those photos will be repudiated.
The reality of equal opportunities for everyone in the field of photojournalism is still far from existing. The state of financial problems, racism, political affair, and economic conflict is the hard-hitting reality. However, the fight continues for equality and lingers to every photojournalist’s dream to overcome these conflicts.
The impact of the movie hit differently after knowing it is based on a true story. It showed the uncertainty yet the fundamental aspects between photojournalism and the human condition. The actors portrayed the characters’ story flawlessly. I felt the thrill, excitement, and endless respect for photojournalists. They were so good that reality strikes me with a bang.
“You take a picture but not everybody is gonna like what they see, you have to understand that they might want to shoot the messenger”
Being a photojournalist is a decision to make every single day. It is a choice to determine with oneself. One needs to be bold and can fearlessly withstand any condition to bring home that perfect shot — including the eerie sight of loneliness, corpses, slaughters, and suffering. One that also clicks in different lighting, angles, and scenarios worth physical and emotional catastrophe.
Even so, a photojournalist takes several shots of different people yet sees in the viewfinder the same victims of injustices.
“Everybody, at the end of the day, wants to comeback with the best shot” and that photo must bring change thus fit its purpose — the truth’s visibility. The certainty of a story behind those lenses can never be hidden and fabricated. Journalists ought to uphold the principle of truth-telling and cover the interest of the people.
Winning prestigious awards in photojournalism brings validation, a fulfillment that comes with the honor and pride of a journalist in the field. However, behind every award-winning photo are criticisms, whether it is true or not — it is limitless. I t is bound to the idea of judgment and prejudice. Yet, are these awards and recognitions worthwhile?
A remarkably taken photo rightfully deserves global recognition, right?
Hypothetically, you became legendary, made history for making the best shot. The idea of being brilliant and notably known for a well-executed photo is justly blissful. All the hard work, sacrifices, and doubts paid off. New opportunities are ready and widely opened right before your eyes. But, along with the festive are all those disturbing and unfortunate events you encountered. I t keeps coming back like a nightmare, you wanted to run but unable to move — it continuously consumes you. When you look around, everyone is cheering and rooting for you, waiting for you to accept it because they say ‘It’s an amazing f*cking picture’.
