Panel discussion about Investigational Documentary Film in Romania

“What Type of Investigational Documentary Film Can  We Watch in Romanian TV?”

at ASTRA FILM FESTIVAL 2011

28th of October 2011, 17-19.30 at  Casa de Cultură, Studio Hall  

Documentary film is a genre with a foot in the media world, “on screen”, and the other one in the art of cinematography; it has a well-defined tradition and a production consistent both in film and in journalism in general. A well-known, well-defined form that is the closest it can come to a journalist’s mission is that of investigative journalism, which unveils and presents illegal activities in various areas of society. Therefore, it has precise production rules which create visual “proof” that can be used as legal evidence. Often, journalists that make such films are threatened, often risk their lives, and thus become heroes in the fight for revealing the truth. Investigative documentary has become an essential institution of a modern society.

Astra Film Festival 2011 brings into focus investigative documentary/report in a discussion panel called “What Type of Investigational Documentary Film Can  We Watch in Romanian TV?” Journalists and filmmakers that have created investigative documentaries /reports in Romania will present their experience at this round table.

PROGRAM:

1. 17:00 - Film Screening: THE CHILD SEX TRADE- 52 min, by Liviu Tipuriță. A multiply-awarded director (nominated to the BAFTA Awards), specialized in investigative and observational documentary, he deals with sensitive subjects such as child and person trafficking, sexual abuse and prostitution. He works for BBC, CHANNEL 4, ITV, CNN, ABC, NBC and ARTE.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the director.

1. 18 :10-19 :30 - Round Table: Journalists and filmmakers that have created investigative documentaries /reports in Romania will share their experiences. All participants to this discussion panel will present examples from their activity (maximum 10 minutes) keeping in mind the following questions: Which subjects have been already dealt with and which have not in Romanian investigative documentaries/reports? What are the risks a journalist/filmmaker must take when making an investigative documentary? What is the role of television/media trusts in producing and airing these documentaries? What is the effect after airing the films?

The lists of persons presenting will be made public soon.