Literary journalism from the seven-pointed star

an analysis of the documentary "Boate Kiss - A tragédia de Santa Maria"

Abstract

This article is another contribution to the studies regarding the appropriation of the characteristics of literary journalism and the seven-pointed star, schematized by Felipe Pena, in audiovisual productions. The object of study was the documentary "Boate Kiss - A tragédia de Santa Maria," with the goal of verifying if such particularities would be present in it without losing its journalistic essence. The curiosity for the topic arose from the fact that literary journalism is still very much linked to print media, a circumstance that sparked interest in identifying it in audiovisual documentaries. The research methods used were basic in nature, with a qualitative approach, exploratory research, and technical procedures of case and bibliographic study, with Felipe Pena (2006), Edvaldo Pereira Lima (2014), and Tom Wolfe (1975) as the main authors. In the documentary, many characteristics of literary journalism were observed, including: humanization; rigorous investigation; in-depth reporting; transcending the limits of events. The seven points of the star were also present, such as the deconstruction of the lead, perenniality, diversity of sources, and journalism as a service provider. At the same time, the report maintains the essence of a journalistic production by respecting the basic premises required by the genre, such as an ethical approach and the ability to express oneself clearly. Although the involvement of reporter and director Marcelo Canellas with the topic was explicit, he shows all sides of the event. The search for truth and justice was present at various moments of the documentary, ensuring the role of journalism in fulfilling a duty to citizenship.