Everyday, the world in which we live grows more complex. The flux of information to which we are exposed continues to increase, yet our capacity to make sense of the evolution around us gets ever more shaky. Technological innovations are transforming our lives in decisive ways, but do not necessarily make them simpler or more meaningful. Our world is getting smaller, more interconnected and interdependent, but do we really feel closer?

Pause! Have another look at the world! 

A global community of filmmakers is documenting the changes rapidly affecting populations across the world. At the core of each of these films is a human being with a specific story. Behind each is a human eye – an artist’s and global citizen’s perspective. Documentary films are a window on the real world. They reintroduce meaning and humanity in a tumultuous environment. As such, these films are valuable and challenging tools for anyone seeking to understand and strengthen our emerging global society.

The Global Journal is happy to share with you, during the next 12 days, images and stories from the international documentary film festival Cinéma du Réel taking place in Paris from 22 March to 3 April. Everyday, our correspondent Frédérique Guérin will post a picture or video of a film screened as part of the festival, and share a vision that challenges us to think differently about the world.

Pause, watch and enjoy!