The Power of Documentary: A Mirror Held Up to Humanity

The documentary film “To Hold a Mountain” has won the Grand Prix at Millennium Docs Against Gravity, but its significance extends far beyond one prize. This year’s festival in Warsaw showcased the power and potential of documentary filmmaking, often underestimated or overlooked.

The variety of films on display was striking. From “To Hold a Mountain“‘s nuanced portrayal of sisterhood and solitude in the Montenegrin highlands to “Fiume o Morte!,” a cinematic reappropriation of history, each film offered a unique perspective on human experience. However, what linked them all was their commitment to telling stories that needed to be told.

The jury praised “To Hold a Mountain” as a nuanced portrayal of sisterhood, adolescence, and the profound role nature and family play in shaping who we are. This is more than just a description of a film – it’s an acknowledgment of documentary filmmakers’ essential role in society. By giving voice to those who might otherwise go unheard, these films serve as a mirror held up to humanity.

The festival has been hailed as a success, with over 200 industry professionals attending sold-out screenings. However, this is not just about celebrating the art of documentary filmmaking – it’s also about recognizing its potential impact on society. Take “Traces,” for example, a powerful portrayal of Ukrainian women who refuse to remain silent after surviving sexual assault during the war with Russia.

Filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko, a Ukrainian woman who has experienced trauma firsthand, made “Traces.” Her decision was not driven by a desire for awards or recognition – it was driven by a need to share her story and give voice to others. The festival’s artistic director, Karol Piekarczyk, criticized those who seek to silence documentary filmmakers: “I don’t know since when basic human rights have become political,” he said. “We didn’t make them political.”

Documentary filmmaking is not about politics; it’s about people. This year’s Berlin Film Festival controversies serve as a stark reminder of the importance of documentary filmmaking. By giving voice to those who might otherwise go unheard, these films are essential.

As the festival comes to a close, one thing is clear: documentary filmmaking has never been more relevant or necessary. As we move forward in an increasingly complex and divided world, it’s more important than ever that we have access to stories that challenge our assumptions and give voice to those who might otherwise be silenced. The power of documentary lies not just in its ability to entertain – but in its capacity to reflect the human condition back at us.

Igor Bezinović, director of “Fiume o Morte!,” said in a Q&A after his film’s screening: “Revenge through storytelling and art” is not just a phrase – it’s a reality. Documentary filmmaking has the power to shape our understanding of the world around us. Let’s harness that power for good.

Those who would seek to silence documentary filmmakers are already too late. The genie is out of the bottle, and documentary filmmaking will continue to thrive – no matter what. We need more documentaries like these: films that challenge our assumptions and give voice to those who might otherwise be silenced. We need stories that reflect the human condition back at us.

The power of documentary lies not just in its ability to entertain – but in its capacity to shape our understanding of the world around us.