Journalism has acquired a dubious reputation in recent years, not least as a result of the misbehaviour of large media corporations.
Journalism has acquired a dubious reputation in recent years, not least as a result of the misbehaviour of large media corporations.
Yet reporters and photojournalists can and do play a key role in tracking the unravelling of events, and in contributing to perspectives which bring about – or record – the possibilities of real social change.
One of the highlights of Just Festival has been the ‘In Sight of Peace’ exhibition showing in St John’s hall which bears moving witness to South Africa’s extraordinary journey from segregation and inequality towards justice, peace and reconciliation.
So what of the wider role of photojournalism in political and social contexts, and in the quest for peacemaking? Following the conversation with doyen photographer Ian Berry at 12.30-1.30pm, there will be a panel discussion (2-3pm) to dig deeper into the part photojournalism can play in processes of conflict transformation.
The panel consists of Professor Jolyon Mitchell (University of Edinburgh, centre for Theology and Public Issues), Professor Scott Appleby (Kroc Institute of International Peacebuilding, Notre Dame University, USA), Ian Berry (Magnum Photos) and chair Dr Theodora Hawksley (University of Edinburgh).
Just Festival, also known simply as Just, runs from 2-26 August 2013. It is based at St John’s Church (corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road) and some 27 other venues, and combines artistic and performance style events with conversations, talks, films exhibits and other ways of exploring how to live together creatively in a mixed-belief society.
* Full booking details for the Ian Berry talk and conversation (£5 for each session, tickets also available at the cash box office at St John’s): http://www.justjust.org/#%21the-role-of-photojournalism-in-peacebuilding/c226l
* For more information on Just Festival, visit http://www.justjust.org and http://justfestivalnews.blogspot.com
* Ekklesia is a sponsor of Just Festival. Our news, reporting and comment is aggregated at: www.ekklesia.co.uk/justfestival
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© Simon Barrow is co-director of Ekklesia and a media adviser for Just Festival.