In commemoration of the International Day for the Right to the Truth (3/24), Artículo 19 presents “The Shooting,” a campaign created by Grey Mexico and Oriental Films that portrays the harsh reality faced by journalists in Mexico–literally facing death in their quest for the truth.
This four-minute short film–directed by Yupi Segura and Charlie Gutierrez via Oriental Films–presents a face-off between two combatants. On one side, there are members of organized crime who fire their weapons to instill fear and silence the truth. On the other side, journalists shoot with their cameras. The battle between the two symbolizes how violence aims to silence the right to report. During a climactic moment between the two sides, the film summarizes the plight of dedicated journalists, namely that while they shoot for the truth, they are shot at to be silenced.
Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Since the year 2000, more than 200 journalists have been murdered or have disappeared simply for doing their job. In Mexico, impunity remains the norm. According to Artículo 19, 98% of crimes against journalists go unpunished. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness and pressure authorities to protect those who risk their lives to reveal what others want to keep hidden.
“This piece seeks to highlight just how dangerous it is to be a journalist in Mexico, a profession that is essential to the world because today, more than ever, we need freedom of expression,” said Alexis Ospina, chief creative officer at Grey Mexico.
Artículo 19 remains firm in its mission to protect freedom of expression and the right to information. The human rights organization invites the public to join the cause, defend a free press, and support those who bring us closer to the truth with every story they publish.
