Watch Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is a documentary that investigates the power of open source investigation in a world where truth is increasingly malleable. The film focuses on the work of Eliot Higgins, the founder of Bellingcat, who has revolutionized the field of digital forensics by using an array of online tools and techniques to expose human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.

The film opens with a quote from George Orwell's 1984, which sets the tone for the story to come - a world where the truth is whatever those in control say it is. The film then cuts to an interview with Higgins, where he describes how he stumbled into the field of digital forensics by analyzing YouTube videos of the Syrian civil war. Through his investigations, Higgins was able to verify the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, which was then backed up by traditional media outlets.

The film then cuts to a series of interviews with experts in the field of media and journalism, who describe how traditional news outlets have struggled to keep up with the changing media landscape. The rise of social media and the decline of traditional newsrooms has put pressure on journalists to break stories faster, which has led to a rise in fake news, propaganda, and misinformation.

Higgins and his team at Bellingcat have stepped in to fill the gap, using open source tools to analyze digital information and expose lies and deceit. The film shows how Bellingcat was able to identify the suspects in the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, using images posted on social media by Russian soldiers. Through a painstaking process of analysis and verification, Higgins and his team were able to show how the suspects were connected to the Russian military.

The film also highlights the importance of collaboration in the digital age. Bellingcat works closely with traditional media outlets, sharing their findings and providing context for the stories they uncover. The film shows how Bellingcat and The Guardian worked together to expose the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, using evidence gathered by Higgins and his team.

The film then turns to the darker side of digital forensics - the threats and harassment faced by those who work in the field. Higgins describes how he has received death threats and been the subject of online harassment, but remains defiant in his determination to uncover the truth. The film highlights the importance of protecting journalists and investigators who are working to expose the truth, in the face of opposition from those who have a vested interest in secrecy and deception.

The film concludes with a warning about the dangers of ignoring the truth. In a world where lies and propaganda can spread at the speed of light, it has never been more important to have a free and independent media that can expose falsehoods and hold power to account. Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and the vital work of those who seek it out, in the face of opposition and hostility.

In summary, Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is a gripping documentary that takes the viewer on a journey into the world of digital forensics and the power of open source investigation. The film provides a fascinating insight into the challenges facing traditional media outlets in a rapidly changing media landscape, and the vital role of organizations like Bellingcat in exposing lies and deceit. This is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the future of journalism and the fight against fake news and propaganda.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 79.