Maybe it is just because I love photography, and I dream about capturing an image that will change the world, but "The Bang Bang Club" is one of my favorite movies. In it about group photographers, nick-named The Bang Bang Club, dedicate themselves to documenting the first free elections in post-apartheid Africa. As they explore the townships, the photographers constantly put their lives at risk to capture the perfect image expose the reality of violence happening in Africa. Over the course of there time in there, two of the photographers, Greg Marinovich and Kevin Carter, win the Pulitzer Prize. Greg's winning photo portrays the burning of a supposed spy. Kevin Carter's shows a vulture stalking a starving child.
The photos taken by The Bang Bang Club are truly amazing and eye opening, but the movie is not only about photography. It is about the photographers' perseverance. No matter how many people tell them "NO, your photo is to violent", "No, I can't pay you for these", "No, get your camera out of here". They continue on there quest of photojournalism to show the truth to the world. Even under extreme criticism from people out side of South Africa for documenting and not helping and people in the Townships for being "the white man's photographers", they do not stop. They truly want to document for the world the severity of the turmoil in South Africa. They never give up on their dream.
When I saw the movie for the first time it pulled at so many places in my heart. One of my greatest passions is traveling. Getting to know new cultures, experiencing things I would never see at home. The rush when I step way out side of my comfort-zone. It is definitely one of my greatest values. I feel like I learn more about myself through new, challenging and different situations. When I hear about other peoples adventures I honestly feel like someone has reached into my chest, grabbed my heart, and started pulling it. I am always reminded that dreams are important. My life feels incomplete with out them.
Where did you first get to see the movie?
ReplyDeleteIt must've been quite the sobering and eye-opening experience.
Your passion for photography and traveling make me so happy! I love both (although I don't do enough photography). It is great you have a taste for other cultures and ideas, how can we improve if we don't learn from one another?