Steyerl talks about how the “unbroken belief” of the documentary form is challenged. What does Steyerl mean by this? Certain movies and films are based on a true story. How does truth inform the fiction? How might fiction inform the truth?
The “unbroken belief” of the documentary form that Steyerl mentions is the audience’s perception that everything on screen is entirely true—a fact that cannot be questioned. However, the longstanding faith traditionally placed in the documentary form has been spoiled—there is now an “uncertainty that documentary truth provokes”. Steyerl notes that there are some images in documentaries that “bear no similarity to reality.” Thus, “we have no basis for judging whether reality is being shown … in any objective way.” The “unbroken belief” is challenged by the displacement of documentary truth to one of expression. In other words, traditional notions of documentarism as an objective representation of the real world in movies and films are being undermined by various elements such as the proliferation of digital technological tools, the manipulation of images, and the subjective viewpoints of filmmakers.
How does truth inform the fiction? How might fiction inform the truth? Hito Steyerl explores the intricate relationship between truth and fiction in the context of the documentary form. Steyerl suggests that truth can inform fiction by providing a basis for storytelling—serving as a starting point. Documentaries often draw from real events, facts, and testimonies to create narratives that reflect and remark on reality. On the other hand, fiction can inform the truth by offering alternative perspectives, interpretations, or creative reconstructions of events—it can offer new insights and perspectives so that we can “regain critical distance”. Steyerl argues that fiction allows filmmakers to challenge dominant narratives, question established truths, and explore subjective experiences that may not be easily captured through traditional documentary methods. In this way, there is a dynamic interplay between truth and fiction. It is through this interaction that documentaries can engage viewers in critical thinking and encourage them to question their assumptions about reality.
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?
Authenticity refers to the trustworthiness and reliability. It is the responsibility of media outlets to uphold ethics, fact-check their content, and provide transparency. Authenticity helps build credibility and fosters public trust in the media. The authenticity and representation of truth in the media we consume daily have significant importance. As consumers, we rely on the media to provide us with accurate and reliable information about affairs around us. The truth in these media plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of current events, leaving room for public opinion, and mediating informed decision-making.
On the other hand, representation refers to how different perspectives, voices, and experiences are portrayed. It is crucial for the media to strive for diverse and inclusive representation, as this allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the world and helps prevent biases and stereotypes. Biases and stereotypes could reinforce dominant narratives and close critical distance.
Live broadcasts provide real-time coverage of events as they unfold, allowing viewers to become witnesses. Live broadcasts can offer a sense of immediate authenticity, and transparency, as they often require little editing or manipulation. They enable viewers to form their own judgments and interpretations based on unfiltered information.
Additional notes:
- Even live broadcasts can be subject to biases, misinterpretations, or incomplete information. Therefore, as consumers, it is crucial to critically evaluate the sources and context of the media we consume to ensure a more accurate understanding of the truth.
- As a filmmaker during the next few projects, it is important to note the uncertainty of documentarism proposed by Hito Steyerl. One must note that documentary forms can “create false intimacy and even false presence”. Do we want this falsity? Do we value expression or representation? The answers can be subjective as I believe it is in the agency of the artist to choose whether they want to create an unfiltered truth or a synthesized fiction. Furthermore, can expression not be a form of representation? As Steyerl states, fiction allows filmmakers to challenge dominant narratives, question established truths, and explore subjective experiences that may not be easily captured through traditional documentary methods. This is a method of how fiction can inform the truth through synthesized means.
Source:
Steyerl, Hito. “Hito Steyerl /// The Uncertainty of Documentarism.” Chtodelat.Org, 25 Aug. 2013, chtodelat.org/b8-newspapers/12-55/the-uncertainty-of-documentarism/.