In 1948, speaking to the House of Commons, Winston Churchill said: “For my part, I consider that it will be found much better by all parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history myself.” This statement has since been carried through the broken telephone of time, being retold and retold, and has evolved into ‘History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it’, a phrase that seems to suggest that the winners in war are the ones who end up telling history from their side.
For the most part, this is true. As soon as one side wins a war, the propaganda machine kicks in and celebrates the victory with elaborate military showcases and air shows. However, there are those who are interested in telling the truth, rather than recounting the mythology of the good guys winning. And one group particularly interested in finding the truth in conflict is the not-for-profit organisation Reporters without Borders.
This year, the organisation will be releasing its 50th photography book promoting the freedom of information. And alongside the release of the book, the organisation has also released a short online film that juxtaposes how governments want us to see wars to how they actually are.
At a time when journalism budgets are being slashed all over the place, this clip provides a harrowing reminder of just how important free press is.
