“Show, don’t tell” – The power of investigative documentary filmmaking

Débora Votquenne © VRT

By Hanne De Coninck

“With the right image, you can save so many words.” This motto defines Flemish investigative journalist Débora Votquenne. She is well known for her natural ability to transform the rawest research into the most compelling visual story, captivating the Flemish audience time and time again. Her powerful investigative documentaries have earned Votquenne the most prestigious journalism award in Flanders. “Show, don’t tell, that is my language.”

Growing up the daughter of a news cameraman, it is perhaps no surprise that Débora Votquenne ended up where she is today. Though her broad interests first led her to study international politics, she ultimately followed her true calling in journalism.

Votquenne’s first job at Middle East News and Al Arabiya landed her a freelance position at Headline NFP. Combining her talents in research, fixing and producing, she collaborated with some of the biggest international broadcasters. She got her first taste of investigative work while working on segments like BBC Newsnight. Little by little, she found herself delving deeper into topics, asking more questions. “Over time, I felt it growing within me, and I realized, this is the direction I should be heading in.”

Her first major investigation exposed the flaws in Brussels’ school waiting list system, revealing principals favoring the elite. Making headlines and earning her first award nomination, she quickly discovered the flip side of this success.“ I learned the ‘cheating’ principal was really struggling. I felt really bad about it.” She pauses for a moment, her mind reflecting. “People around me said I would have to grow a thicker skin.” She now admits doing fewer stories targetting individuals, aware of the impact it can have.

In 2015, Débora Votquenne found her home at the Flemish public broadcaster VRT. Since 2020, she has been a key member of the investigative documentary team of Pano. “I’ve written and done radio, but TV is the toughest,” she admits. “No one wants to watch someone read reports. You have to simplify it, but it still has to be accurate.”

Her curiosity in everything happening around her guided Votquenne to her most impactful story. Coming from a village neighboring a recycling plant emitting high levels of lead, she became aware of the residents’ concerns about its impact on their children’s health. Earning her first Belfius Press Award in the TV and video category, she stresses the power of the visual medium. “When I’m interviewing a couple, who are talking about losing a child, and the doctor says they can’t be sure if it’s due to lead exposure but there are indications, I place them in their garden with the factory building in the background. That speaks volumes. It draws the viewer deeply into their everyday reality.”

Amid her busy schedule, she still finds time to act as a board member of the Dutch-Flemish Association for Investigative Journalists (VVOJ). She is particularly invested in helping Flanders catch up with the Netherlands. For Flemish investigative journalists, the constant battle for time and resources is all too familiar.

Yet, when budgets are tight and time is limited, Votquenne reminds us of the importance of creativity. She recalls the time she had to take the camera into her own hands, simply because there was no money to hire a professional. “You can always find a way, but people can get tired of fighting,” she sighs.

Embarking on her first cross-border investigation, Débora Votquenne remains committed to lowering the threshold for starting investigative projects through the VVOJ. “Investigative journalism should be everywhere,” she emphasizes, aiming to expand its reach across various media and formats.