Misan Harriman, the British-Nigerian photographer, film-maker and activist, is the subject of a new documentary titled Shoot the People. The film, completed before a controversy in May 2024 over some of his social media posts, offers a candid look at his rise from the financial world to international acclaim. However, it notably avoids addressing the recent backlash, which involved posts perceived to amplify anti-Zionist conspiracy theories about media coverage of the Golders Green attack and quoting Susan Sontag on the Holocaust in relation to Reform UK's electoral successes.
From Finance to Photography
Harriman, who comes from a wealthy and privileged background, experienced what he describes as a certain kind of British overclass racism up close. He was working in finance when a photograph he took of an anti-racist demonstration went viral after being retweeted by Martin Luther King III, the son of Martin Luther King Jr. This moment catapulted him into a new career as a photographer. The film features interviews with King III, who speaks about the impact of Harriman's work.
Oscar Nomination and Activism
Harriman's short film The After, starring David Oyelowo, was nominated for an Oscar in 2024. The documentary shows him attending the ceremony, while also photographing pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside. The film's director notes that Harriman, like many successful people, is not without conceit. In one scene, Harriman walks thoughtfully in fields near his home with his dog, saying in voiceover: "The trees don't give a damn about the Academy Awards, neither does my dog. They do care about what sort of a human being I am …"
Controversy and Criticism
The film was completed before the May 2024 row, in which Harriman's social media posts were criticized for appearing to endorse anti-Zionist conspiracy theories. His supporters have called this a smear campaign. If the film had been made later, Harriman might have addressed these criticisms. As it stands, the documentary presents him as articulate and self-aware, but does not delve into the controversy.
Tribute to Peter Magubane
The most moving moment in Shoot the People is Harriman's tribute to South African anti-apartheid photographer Peter Magubane, who served as an inspiration to him. The film explores Harriman's activism on Gaza and Black Lives Matter, and his commitment to documenting social justice movements.
Shoot the People is in UK and Irish cinemas from 10 July.
