In a striking evolution of cinematic storytelling, filmmakers are increasingly turning to real-life transcripts and recordings to create films that blur the line between fact and fiction. The recent releases of *The Voice of Hind Rajab* and *Peter Hujar’s Day* exemplify this trend, showcasing how verbatim dialogue can effectively capture the raw essence of human experiences against the backdrop of pressing social issues.
A New Genre Emerges
The past few years have witnessed a surge in what can be termed “verbatim cinema,” where filmmakers rely on actual conversations and documented events to construct their narratives. This approach promises an authenticity that scripted dramas often struggle to achieve. In *Reality* (2023), Tina Satter meticulously portrays the interrogation of whistleblower Reality Winner, transitioning seamlessly from light-hearted banter to intense FBI questioning, all while maintaining a real-time flow. Similarly, Radu Jude’s *Uppercase Print* delves into the life of a rebellious teenager facing the oppressive regime of Ceaușescu-era Romania, presenting a narrative that is deeply rooted in historical truth.
Within a month, UK audiences have had the chance to experience two more films in this genre. *Peter Hujar’s Day*, directed by Ira Sachs, transports viewers to vibrant 1974 New York, capturing candid conversations between Linda Rosenkrantz and photographer Peter Hujar, who succumbed to an AIDS-related illness a mere decade later. Meanwhile, Kaouther Ben Hania’s *The Voice of Hind Rajab* poignantly recounts the frantic efforts of an emergency call centre during the evacuation of Gaza City, centring on the desperate attempts to rescue a six-year-old girl.
The Tradition of Verbatim Storytelling
The roots of verbatim storytelling can be traced back through decades of theatre and film. Productions such as *Sophie Scholl: The Final Days* (2005) and *Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8* (1987) have paved the way for this style, with varying degrees of fidelity to their source material. However, it was not until *London Road* (2015) that verbatim drama found its way into feature films in a significant way. Based on a National Theatre production, the film artfully interweaves the genuine voices of Ipswich residents reacting to a series of grisly murders, set to music by Adam Cork and Alecky Blythe.
Interestingly, many contemporary verbatim films have origins in the theatre. *Uppercase Print* was born from Gianina Cărbunariu’s play, while *Reality* initially emerged from a stage performance of the same name. The theatrical tradition of presenting real events has long provided a platform for social commentary, with the Federal Theatre Project of the 1930s serving as a forerunner to modern verbatim adaptations.
The Appeal of Authenticity
As the landscape of filmmaking continues to evolve, the appeal of verbatim cinema is undeniable, particularly in an era where reality often surpasses fiction in its strangeness and complexity. By leveraging transcripts and authentic dialogue, filmmakers can create narratives that resonate with audiences, offering a window into the human condition that feels genuinely relatable.
Satter notes that transcripts lend themselves to minimal editing, transforming spoken words into what she describes as characters in a play. This allows the essence of the original speakers to shine through. In *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, Ben Hania emphasises the importance of fidelity to the actual events unfolding in Gaza, stating that “what is occurring is beyond fiction.” Such perspectives lend a powerful immediacy to the narratives being told.
The cinematographic approach often associated with verbatim films—marked by handheld cameras, close-ups, and natural lighting—further enhances this sense of connection to the subject matter. In *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, dizzying close-ups and actual recordings of the young girl at the centre of the story serve to amplify the emotional stakes, inviting viewers to engage more deeply with the harrowing realities being depicted.
Why it Matters
The rise of verbatim cinema reflects a broader cultural shift towards authenticity in storytelling, particularly in response to the complexities of the contemporary world. As audiences grapple with overwhelming news cycles and social issues, films that present reality in its raw form provide not only a means of understanding but also a platform for voices that often go unheard. By capturing the nuances of human experience through the lens of true events, these filmmakers are not merely telling stories—they are challenging viewers to confront the truths that shape our society.