The Uncertainty of Documentarism by Hito Steyerl Reading Response

  • Steyerl talks about how the “unbroken belief” of the documentary form is challenged. How are Steyerl’s ideas about truth and fiction represented and expressed in Abbas Kiarostami’s film? How might fiction inform the truth?

Steyerl talks about how documentary forms are becoming more abstract instead of objective. The images are shaky and out of form, only showing the excitement of the documenter. From these movements, the viewers can be more involved and engaged. Kiarostami once defined his film style as a kind of unintended minimalism. The truth doesn’t have to come from non-fiction, hard-core reality as fictional worlds often reveal truths as well. 

  • What is the significance of the authenticity and representation of the truth in the media that you consume on a daily basis? What is the role of a live broadcast?

Modern day media is way too polished. People will take hundreds of pictures just to post that one perfect moment after fixing the picture. This takes away the authenticity of real life, and it creates a fake online image of oneself in the virtual world. When it comes to companies, businesses, and content creators, it’s important to be authentic and represent the truth as it is in order to be more relatable to your audience, thus increasing engagement. A good way to do this is to have a live broadcast where you reveal moments of your life unfiltered, opening up to criticism and conversations amongst your audience. However, live broadcast has become a profitable method for e-commerce to showcase their products and increase sales in present day. 

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