The January-February Egyptian Revolution is seen through the eyes of journalists in Bassam Mortada’s absorbing “Reporting … A Revolution.” Produced by the tyro film production arm of indie news service Al-Masry Al-Youm, the docu interviews six of the company’s online scribes about the difficulties in remaining objective during the uprising’s initial 18 days. Though limited in scope (one news org, nothing after Mubarak’s resignation), “Reporting” has a fresh viewpoint and, via docu channels, will benefit from continued global interest in the Arab Spring.
Several of the newshounds reported from Tunisia, but none were prepared for the groundswell from average Egyptians. At pains to keep their sense of fear and euphoria at bay, they covered Cairo and Suez protests, including pro-Mubarak rallies, determined to do their job in the face of Internet and cell phone interruptions and increasing police violence. Noura Younis speaks of guilty feelings when lensing the melee on Qasr al-Nil Bridge from a safe balcony, though the footage proved vital when disseminated. Incorporating more recent events would set the docu apart from the glut of Arab Spring pics, but the images continue to stir; protestors’ placards deserve subtitling.
