At the Rory Peck Awards 2019, Sony presented Martin Boudot and Mathias Denizo with the ‘Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs’ for their film ‘Paraguay: Poisoned Fields’.

Martin Boudot, an investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, teamed up with Mathias Denizo, a director of photography, to explore the toxic realities of the soybean field in Paraguay in a film combining science and investigative journalism.

Martin Boudot Mathias Denizo

The ‘Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs’ recognises the work of freelance camera operators who examine an issue, story or situation which has an impact on viewers, policies, or public awareness.

Commissioned by France 5, Boudot and Denizo worked together with Paraguayan scientists in a study investigating the genetic damage inflicted on children exposed to pesticides, by analysing soy, soil and water samples and attempting to trace the pollution back to its source.

This investigation attracted the attention of mainstream media in South America, and triggered a national debate when it reached the Paraguayan Senate.

Marta Shaw, Freelance Producer/Director and one of the judges within this category commented:

“To me, this piece stood out from the rest. It was beautifully shot and having science at the heart of it gave it credibility. It ticked all the boxes.”

https://rorypecktrust.org/awards/

JOURNALISM

Winner of Rory Peck 'Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs' has been announced