This Short Film Exposes the Violence Against Journalists in Mexico

In commemoration of the International Day for the Right to the Truth, Artículo 19 presents The Shooting, a campaign created by Grey México and Oriental Films that portrays the harsh reality faced by journalists in Mexico: While they shoot for the truth, they are shot at to be silenced.

The campaign includes a four-minute short film, outdoor and print pieces that metaphorically depict the violence journalists face in the country. The Shooting exposes the inequality of this battle and the brutality of the attacks against the press.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Since the year 2000, more than 200 journalists have been murdered or have disappeared simply for doing their job. In an environment where censorship is enforced through threats, violence, and death, The Shooting brings this reality to light through a symbolic confrontation.

The short film, directed by Yupi Segura and Charlie Gutiérrez, presents a face-off between two sides: on one, members of organised crime fire their weapons to instil fear and silence the truth; on the other, journalists shoot with their cameras, symbolising how violence aims to silence the right to report.

"This piece seeks to highlight just how dangerous it is to be a journalist in Mexico, a profession that is essential to the world because today, more than ever, we need freedom of expression," says Alexis Ospina, chief creative officer at Grey México.

"The extreme levels of violence against the press make Mexico one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. We cannot normalise this because it restricts our right to know." said Leopoldo Maldonado, regional director of ARTICLE 19 Office for Mexico and Central America.

In Mexico, impunity remains the norm. According to Artículo 19, 98% of crimes against journalists go unpunished. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness and pressure authorities to protect those who risk their lives to reveal what others want to keep hidden.

Last year, Artículo 19, Grey México, and Oriental Films launched El Último Viaje, a short film demanding justice for the murder of journalist Moisés Sánchez. Now, continuing their commitment to amplifying voices and defending those who report the truth, they have created this powerful new awareness campaign.

Artículo 19 remains firm in its mission to protect freedom of expression and the right to information. The organisation invites the public to join the cause, defend a free press, and support those who bring us closer to the truth with every story they publish.