NEW YORK — The new film “September 5” immerses viewers in the tense atmosphere of the smoky control room used by ABC Sports during the 1972 Olympic Games hostage crisis in Munich.
Inside, an array of vintage analog equipment buzzes, with video monitors acting as windows to the unfolding drama: the seizure of Israeli team members by the Palestinian militant group Black September.
The film conveys the experience of sports producers who suddenly found themselves covering one of the earliest global breaking news events, an event that drew an estimated audience of 900 million viewers.
Nominated for best film, drama by the Golden Globes, “September 5” delves into a pivotal moment in media history. Producers grapple with timeless ethical dilemmas faced in journalism: What content is appropriate for broadcast? Are they simply informing viewers or creating sensationalism? Are their facts accurate?
John Magaro, portraying producer Geoffrey Mason, comments that the film portrays a time when the media landscape began its transformation. “These journalists were not aware of the implications of their actions; they were just trying to report the news,” he explains. “In doing so, they inadvertently paved the way for increased sensationalism.”
Set to be released in theaters Friday, “September 5” is praised for its intense exploration of journalism ethics. Though the Munich Olympics attack has been depicted in previous works, such as Spielberg’s “Munich” and the documentary “One Day in September,” this film keeps a laser focus on the television broadcast culminating in Jim McKay’s memorable report stating, “They’re all gone.”
Director Tim Fehlbaum notes, “What’s intriguing is that these were not seasoned news professionals; they were sports broadcasters, which allowed for an innocent confrontation with these profound questions.”
The film features actual footage from 1972, capturing the reality of that significant moment, while a talented cast, including Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge and Ben Chaplin as Marvin Bader, brings the drama to life.
Magaro’s character, Mason, is central to the narrative, representing a young ABC Sports producer thrust into the major crisis of the decade. Magaro, an accomplished actor renowned for his nuanced roles, acknowledges that Mason’s drive for success mirrors his own journey in acting. “Seizing opportunities happens rarely for someone in my position,” he reflects.
As a child, Magaro began his career as an extra in “Munich.” However, his journey has been marked by dedication and determination, rooted in his family’s working-class, immigrant background. “Honestly, I’m just a 5-7 white kid from Cleveland,” he admits. “Paths like mine are not common. It has been a challenging journey but one I’ve always been passionate about.”
For “September 5,” Fehlbaum emphasized authenticity, sourcing authentic video technology from that era to recreate the ABC control room with precision, likening the set to “stepping onto a submarine.”
Acting commitments included extensive preparation, drawing from Mason’s experiences. Magaro attended CBS’s NFL control room sessions and games at Madison Square Garden to grasp the fast-paced environment of live broadcasting. “Geoff told me that their main goal was to stay on air and keep reporting, focusing only on the job at hand,” he shares.
The film captures the immediate, pressure-filled moments during the Munich terrorism coverage, while consciously avoiding the political ramifications of this notorious episode in Israeli-Palestinian relations. The film was wrapping post-production when recent events unfolded in Gaza, and it first premiered at festivals amid continuing conflict.
On the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Magaro states, “The same questions remain: Has there really been change? The conflict traces back to 1948 with the establishment of Israel. One must consider if media coverage is being handled appropriately today, regardless of one’s stance.”
The origins of live news broadcasting can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 1949 when KTLA in Los Angeles televised the rescue of a young girl from a well for over 27 hours.
In today’s media landscape, where social media often spreads misinformation, the ethical questions explored in “September 5” feel remarkably relevant. According to Fehlbaum, the evolution of technology often overshadows the persistent moral dilemmas. “No matter how much things change, the core ethical questions remain constant,” he concludes.
