Unveiling Cineglobe 2017 Audience Award Best Documentary: What Really Happened – A Beginner's Guide

So, you're curious about "What Really Happened," the Cineglobe 2017 Audience Award Best Documentary? That's excellent! Diving into documentaries can be incredibly rewarding, offering insights into the world around us, challenging our perspectives, and sparking meaningful conversations. This guide will help you understand what this award means, how to approach watching the film, and some common pitfalls to avoid when interpreting documentaries.

First: What is Cineglobe and Why Does the Award Matter?

Cineglobe is a film festival held at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. It's unique because it focuses on films that explore the intersection of science, technology, and society. Winning the Audience Award at Cineglobe is a significant achievement. It means that the audience, composed of scientists, filmmakers, and engaged citizens, found the documentary particularly compelling, thought-provoking, and impactful. It suggests the film resonated deeply with a diverse and informed audience, indicating its potential for broader appeal and relevance.

Understanding the Title: "What Really Happened" - Setting Expectations

The title itself is crucial. "What Really Happened" immediately signals that the documentary aims to uncover the truth behind a specific event, situation, or phenomenon. It promises an investigation, a peeling back of layers to reveal a more accurate or complete picture than what's commonly known or understood. This also sets up a crucial expectation: the film will likely present evidence, perspectives, and arguments to support its claim of revealing "what really happened."

Approaching the Documentary: A Critical Viewing Guide

Before you even press play, consider these points to get the most out of "What Really Happened":

• Know Your Biases (and the Filmmakers' Potential Biases): We all have pre-conceived notions and biases that can influence how we interpret information. Be aware of your own biases related to the film's subject matter. Research the filmmakers – who are they? What is their background? What other films have they made? Knowing this can give you clues about their potential perspectives and biases. This isn't to dismiss their work, but to be aware of potential influences on their narrative.
• Identify the Central Question/Claim: What specific event, situation, or phenomenon is the documentary investigating? What is the central claim or argument the filmmakers are trying to make about "what really happened?" This will help you focus your attention and evaluate the evidence presented. For example, is the documentary investigating a historical event, a scientific discovery, a social issue, or a political controversy?
• Pay Attention to the Evidence: Documentaries use various forms of evidence to support their claims:

* Interviews: Who are the people being interviewed? Are they experts in the field? Do they have a vested interest in the outcome? Are their perspectives balanced or skewed? Consider the credibility and potential biases of each interviewee.
* Archival Footage: Old news reports, photographs, videos, and documents can provide valuable context and evidence. However, be aware that archival footage can be selectively edited to support a particular narrative.
* Data and Statistics: Numbers can be powerful tools, but they can also be manipulated. Pay attention to how data is presented and interpreted. Are the sources reliable? Are there alternative interpretations of the data?
* Re-enactments: While re-enactments can help visualize events, they are inherently subjective interpretations. Be aware that they are not necessarily accurate representations of what actually happened.
* Expert Opinions: Expert testimony is valuable, but it's important to consider the expert's qualifications, potential biases, and whether their opinions are supported by other evidence.

• Look for Counter-Arguments and Alternative Perspectives: A good documentary will acknowledge and address counter-arguments and alternative perspectives. Does the film present a balanced view of the issue, or does it cherry-pick evidence to support a pre-determined conclusion? If the film ignores or dismisses opposing viewpoints, it may be a sign of bias.
• Consider the Emotional Impact: Documentaries often use emotional storytelling techniques to engage viewers. Be aware of how the filmmakers are using music, imagery, and personal stories to evoke emotions. While emotional engagement can be powerful, it's important to maintain a critical distance and evaluate the evidence objectively.
• Do Your Own Research: Don't take everything you see in the documentary at face value. After watching the film, do your own research to verify the information presented and explore alternative perspectives. Consult multiple sources, including books, articles, and websites from reputable organizations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Assuming Documentaries are Objective Truth: Documentaries are not objective records of reality. They are interpretations of reality, shaped by the filmmakers' choices and perspectives. Always be aware of potential biases and limitations.
• Believing Everything You See and Hear: Just because something is presented in a documentary doesn't mean it's true. Always evaluate the evidence critically and look for corroborating sources.
• Ignoring Alternative Perspectives: A good documentary will acknowledge and address counter-arguments and alternative perspectives. Be wary of films that present a one-sided view of the issue.
• Letting Emotions Cloud Your Judgment: Emotional storytelling can be powerful, but it's important to maintain a critical distance and evaluate the evidence objectively.
• Confusing Correlation with Causation: Just because two things are related doesn't mean that one causes the other. Be careful not to draw causal conclusions without sufficient evidence.

Practical Examples:

Let's say "What Really Happened" investigates the events surrounding a controversial scientific study.

• Pitfall: The film only interviews scientists who support the study's findings, ignoring critics who raise concerns about its methodology.


• Critical Viewing: Be aware that the film may be presenting a biased view of the issue. Seek out information from independent sources to learn about the criticisms of the study.

Or, imagine the documentary explores a political scandal.

• Pitfall: The film uses emotionally charged music and imagery to portray the accused politician in a negative light, without providing concrete evidence of wrongdoing.


• Critical Viewing: Be aware of how the filmmakers are using emotional storytelling techniques to influence your opinion. Focus on the factual evidence presented and avoid letting your emotions cloud your judgment.

Conclusion:

Watching "What Really Happened," the Cineglobe 2017 Audience Award Best Documentary, is an opportunity to engage with important issues and expand your understanding of the world. By approaching the film with a critical eye, being aware of potential biases, and doing your own research, you can get the most out of the experience and form your own informed opinions. Remember, documentaries are powerful tools for storytelling and investigation, but they are not the final word on any subject. Enjoy the film, but always remain curious and skeptical!