Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. More than 200 journalists have been killed or disappeared since 2000 and in 98% of cases, justice is never served. On March 24, the International Day for the Right to the Truth, Article 19 launched "The Shooting," in collaboration with La Unión, a local newspaper founded by Moisés Sánchez - one of the many journalists murdered for reporting the truth. This campaign turns a deadly statistic into a human story, with a powerful metaphor: "shooting" as both pressing the shutter of a camera and pulling the trigger of a gun. Through this campaign, we exposed the violence journalists in Mexico face every single day.
The ad "The Shooting" by Articulo 19 highlights the danger journalists in Mexico face. The video starts with a warning about gun violence, setting an intense tone. A man buys a cigarette from a street vendor in a gritty urban setting. Suddenly, chaos ensues with an explosion nearby, sending the man and others to the ground, surrounded by flames and smoke. The scene is chaotic and tense, with high energy and fear prevalent. Photographers are seen amidst the turmoil, capturing the events, symbolizing their role in shooting for truth. The ad contrasts taking photos with the act of violence, emphasizing the metaphorical shooting. Black and white scenes depict masked figures with guns, underlying the looming danger. The ad concludes with stark text: “We shoot for the truth. They shoot to silence us,” driving home a powerful message about the violence against journalists and a call to action to protect them.