TEHRAN- Renowned American documentarian, James Langley, who participated as a judge at the 17th International Documentary Film Festival of Iran, known as Cinéma Vérité, highlighted the significance of presenting an authentic portrayal of Gaza. 

Raising awareness about the realities of Gaza is crucial in breaking the world's silence, he said, ILNA reported on Monday. 

Langley expressed his conviction that if the American population had access to the truth about Gaza, they would not remain indifferent. 

"When I was in Gaza, I realized that if Americans could witness the same scenes as me, their entire perspective on the world would undergo a dramatic change. A clear understanding of Gaza's challenges would eliminate the humanitarian crisis, as people would refuse to tolerate such injustices."

Langley emphasized the potential of documentaries to challenge misconceptions and foster empathy and understanding. 

This shift in storytelling can redefine the nature and impact of documentary filmmaking, he added. 

He emphasized the profound impact of documentaries in shaping public opinion and policies.

“Documentaries possess a unique ability to provide a comprehensive and insightful perspective on unfamiliar cultures and societies. Their storytelling capacity plays a vital role in shaping global perspectives and fostering a more compassionate and knowledgeable global community.”

Highlighting the significance of documentaries in portraying conflict areas, Langley stated, "I have a responsibility to address issues related to war and peace. It is crucial for me to discuss them openly."

Langley also touched upon the transformative power of social media in storytelling. He noted that individuals are now able to capture and share real-life experiences using their mobile phones, bypassing traditional media outlets entirely.

In the context of growing threats and conflicts, Langley stressed the importance of building bridges of understanding between nations. He maintained that now, more than ever, it is essential to foster dialogue and empathy through the medium of documentary filmmaking.

James Langley is known for his impactful documentaries made in conflict-ridden areas. His presence in the documentary field dates back to 1991. 

Langley's notable works include documentaries “Gaza Strip” (2002), “Iraq in Fragments” (2006), and “Angels Are Made of Light” (2018). 

He has won several international awards form different film festivals and has been recognized internationally for his outstanding contributions to the filmmaking industry. 

Some of his notable achievements include being honored as the 2011 United States Artists Ford Fellow, the 2009 MacArthur Fellow, and receiving the 2006 Award for Best Documentary Directing at the Sundance Film Festival as well as 2006 Gotham Award for Best Documentary Film. 

Such remarkable accomplishments have also earned Langley nominations for both the Academy Award and the Emmy Award.

Recently, Langley had the honor of participating as one of the esteemed judges in the international section of Iran's 17th edition of Cinéma Vérité. The festival came to an end on Saturday, showcasing the best of documentary filmmaking from around the world.

SAB/