By Antia Loizou
"I hope I disturbed you, not too much, but just a little bit." With these words, Dr. Dimitrios Bouras concluded his presentation on Friday, 21st of July, the final day of the Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy (THISAM) 2023. It marked the last opportunity for us, the participants, to draw inspiration from the exceptional lectures delivered by experts in the media field.
During his talk on photojournalism and war photography, Dr. Bouras presented a series of emotionally powerful photographs, capturing scenes from both the battlefield and the everyday lives of civilians. These images provoked deep thought, urging us to link the image with its message, consider the angle of the shot, reflect on the context, and contemplate the true nature of war and the importance of documenting it. The goal was to ensure we possessed the necessary documents to share these stories with the world.
We examined photographs depicting how people combat not just in the battlefield, but also the myriad challenges war imposes. These challenges ranged from practical issues, like finding ways to maintain power supply or secure food for households, to emotional struggles, such as dealing with conflict, loss, and the fear of the unknown.
Two photographs particularly moved me. The first captured an elderly woman pushing a cart filled with her belongings, clad in heavy clothing against a backdrop of a cold, war-torn winter. The image was a poignant portrayal of war’s cruelty, the city’s abandonment, the oppressive atmosphere, and the desperate fight for survival. The second photograph, a renowned image, showed a young Japanese boy carrying his deceased brother on his back. This photo, presented by a fellow participant during an exercise led by Dr. Bouras, was not new to me, but I hadn't seen it in a long time and had forgotten its profound impact. It was a heart-wrenching image that could stir deep pain and distress every time it was viewed, powerfully conveying the essence of war photography.
Listening to Dr. Bouras speak about photojournalism, war photography, and the role of photojournalists was incredibly inspiring. His words (“I hope I disturbed you, not too much, but just a little bit”) resonate with me even now, days after participating in THISAM. They encapsulate the essence of journalism: to disturb. Isn't that what journalism is all about? To make a difference, to say something, to speak out, to challenge, and yes, ultimately, to disturb.
