September 5
Though we all love a good brainless popcorn flick now and then, we’d probably feel malnourished if our diet consisted of nothing but sweets. The best films are both entertaining and insightful. As storytellers, we have a responsibility to approach tough subjects with nuance and grace. September 5 works both as a gripping thriller based on true events, and also an exploration of journalistic integrity released during a time of media distrust.
The characters of the film are thrust into a situation they are neither prepared for nor qualified to handle. A terrorist standoff is unfolding in their backyard, and they’re just the sports crew. Yet their boss is unwilling to relinquish the coverage to anyone else. It’s unclear if his intentions are upright, but he probably does have a big promotion coming his way after this.
And he’s good at his job–he knows the story is not just about politics, but emotions. Perhaps emotions are the underlying fabric of politics. Getting to know the hostages will hook the viewers and keep them invested in the unfolding drama. Of course, the details they leave out are just as important as the ones they include. Without the full context, the viewers back home might have no clue why this is happening in the first place.
This one event is a microcosm for our daily lives in America. Seems like every day we are hearing about political turmoil on the other side of the planet. Without a direct tie to those involved, we may feel overwhelmed or incapable of forming a legitimate opinion on every conflict that arises. We are beholden to those telling the story and however they choose to frame it.
The film’s TV crew certainly makes mistakes in their pursuit of the truth. At one point they are forced to consider if their very broadcast kept the local police from intervening successfully. The film doesn’t necessarily condone their actions or even tell us how to approach our own projects, but it does start a conversation.
How ironic that the September 5 filmmakers have themselves been accused of creating a blatant piece of propaganda. No matter what you're trying to say, different groups of people will interpret your work in different ways. While it touches on controversial issues, the biggest message of the film is: “Be careful how you tell the story.” Or put differently, “Is this your story to tell?”
The danger of being storytellers (filmmakers, artists, writers, etc.) is we can’t be right about everything. We can only offer our informed point of view, which will change over time as we learn and grow. Every time I sit down to write, I take a moment to ask God that what I say will be truthful and resonate with someone. It doesn't mean I won't make mistakes, but hopefully my readers will see the heart behind my words and have grace for my blindspots.