Susan Meiselas
Voyages

A film by Marc Karlin | 1985

United Kingdom
en
en
42'

Susan Meiselas | Voyages

Trailer

Watch 7-Day Free

Synopsis

This documentary immortalises the meeting between two giants of their discipline. The first, British filmmaker Marc Karlin (1943-1999), remains largely unknown to this day. The second, American photographer Susan Meiselas (born 1948), is an icon of photojournalism and of the Magnum agency, of which she is president. In the late 1970s, she travelled to Nicaragua to document the two uprisings that led to the fall of the dictator Anastasio Somoza's regime. Some of the photographs she produced there quickly became a symbol of the Sandinista revolution. In 1981, she brought them together in a book that is now considered to be a model of the photographic essay genre. In this surprisingly film, the photographs from her publication are accompanied by a long letter written to the director, in which Susan Meiselas shares her thoughts on her relationship with this major historical event and on the ethics of photojournalism, as well as the role of the photographer, his contradictions and his responsibilities.

Photo: Street fighter, Managua, Nicaragua, 1979 © Susan Meiselas / Magnum Photos

What you will find in this film

Images that have become symbols of the Nicaraguan revolution • a detailed visual story of the Sandinista uprisings • a critical look at documentary photography • towards an ethic of photojournalism • a photographer torn between the role of messenger or participant

Keywords

Reportage & Society Analogue Photography Masters of Photography History of Photography

I have pictures, they have a revolution.

Susan Meiselas

I was always conscious when taking photographs that I was trespassing on someone else's territory and then leaving again. I always felt the need to establish a dialogue between the photographer and her subject, always trying to give something back of what I had taken. But in this situation, amidst the bombing, the dead bodies, and the grieving, there is no time to think of these questions.

Susan Meiselas

We know now that photojournalism normalises what are specific, and very violent, experiences, and we have thought about the subject ad infinitum, feeling guilty about photographs of terror becoming mere spectacle.

Susan Meiselas

Dive Behind the Scenes of Photography!

Remember the first time you held a camera, that thrill of capturing a one-of-a-kind moment... Relive that magic, dive into the wonders of photography, uncover its secrets, and fuel your inspiration with an exceptional collection of documentary films and original creations, complemented by exclusive articles, interviews, and a wealth of resources that invite you to observe the world from a fresh perspective.

By Photography Enthusiasts, For Photography Enthusiasts

The Darkroom Rumour is a groundbreaking video library aimed at inspiring and nurturing the photographic realm. It was conceived by enthusiasts who wanted to fill the glaring lack of films and documentaries about photography on our TV screens and streaming platforms. Each film is handpicked and thoughtfully introduced, saving you hours of searching. We add one to two new films to our collection every month.

Fuel Your Photographic Journey

Imagine where your passion could take you tomorrow. Draw inspiration from the journeys and insights of top photographers and craftsmen. Advance your photography practice, deepen your personal research, and even boost your confidence... The Darkroom Rumour offers a unique space, welcoming all forms of photography, without bias to style or genre. It's a haven for discovery, reflection, and entertainment. Pressure-free, judgment-free, at your own pace.

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached

Experience total freedom. Whether you're at home, on the move, or on vacation, The Darkroom Rumour is available for streaming worldwide, always at your fingertips, hassle-free. Choose the access type that suits you best and explore all that The Darkroom Rumour has to offer with our 7-day free trial. No risks, no commitments. Dive in and experience pure inspiration!

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached

The authors/artists

Further exploration

Susan Meiselas ; Nicaragua ; Aperture ; 2016 (reprint)
Susan Meiselas ; Mediations ; Damiani ; 2018

Leafing through the now reference book by Susan Meiselas, Nicaragua

A short interview with Susan Meiselas on the question of the ‘ethics of seeing’

A long conversation between Susan Meiselas and photographer Bieke Depoorter for Aperture