Still Curious?
The above content is of an informative character and does not represent an official EU position. Unless otherwise stated it is not a product of the European Union.
After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News (2020)
Must see. This HBO documentary investigates disinformation campaigns and frauds, including the Pizzagate hoax.
Agent of Chaos (2020)
A two-part documentary from director Alex Gibney investigates Russia’s interference in the U.S. presidential election of 2016.
Bob Roberts (1992)
In the category “satirical mockumentary”, this film depicts the rise of Robert “Bob” Roberts Jr., a right-wing politician. He is a candidate for an upcoming United States Senate election. Roberts is rich and famous thanks to his folk music, which presents his conservative ideas with zest. This film might help to understand the current political context of populism.
Coded Bias (2020)
Documentary about biases literally coded in the algorithms. When MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, she embarks on a journey to push for the first-ever U.S. legislation against bias in algorithms that impact us all.
Death of Stalin (2017)
This comedy explores historical revisionism, and perhaps what the Kremlin fears most in historical remembrance. The film was eventually banned from screening in Russia. Pavel Pozhigaylo, a member of the Russian Culture Ministry’s advisory board said about it: “The film desecrates our historical symbols — the Soviet hymn, orders and medals, and Marshal Zhukov is portrayed as an idiot.”
Network (1976)
A television network exploits a crazed former anchor’s ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit. Quite prophetic considering this movie was made in the 70’s.
Operation InfeKtion: How Russia Perfected the Art of War (2018)
Modern classic, produced by the New York Times. “Operation InfeKtion” reveals the ways in which one of the Soviets’ central tactics — the promulgation of lies about America — continues today, from Pizzagate to George Soros conspiracies. Big advantage: it is on YouTube!
The Great Hack (2019)
Documentary by Netflix. It explores how a data company (Cambridge Analytica) came to symbolise the dark side of social media in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as uncovered by journalist Carole Cadwalladr.
The Hater (2020)
Netflix’s production exploring the dark world of social media smear tactics and its violent real-life consequences. A young man searches for purpose in a net of hatred and violence that he tries to control.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
Netflix’s production is a great watch on the impact of social media on our societies and our mental health. Also interesting to crosscheck is Facebook’s responses to the creators.
Truman Show (1998)
An insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show. While critically portraying the role of modern media (even before the rise of the Internet), the film plays with themes such as human autonomy and reality.
Wag the Dog (1997)
This comedy is about a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer, who shortly before an election join efforts to fabricate a war in order to cover up a Presidential sex scandal. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert de Niro, Willie Nelson, Kirsten Dunst and Woody Harrelson.