Predators
David Osit / United States / 2025 / International Premiere / 96 min
Vigilante justice, journalism and ethical gray zones were challenged in a controversial TV show that lured male pedophiles into the public spotlight. But did the show cast its own long shadows?
From 2004 to 2007, the American reality show ‘To Catch a Predator’ and its charismatic host Chris Hansen entertained viewers by luring male pedophiles into the merciless public spotlight. And even though the show is old, it is still shocking to see another person’s entire life fall apart in an instant. This is the kind of TV that makes the ’00s feel like centuries ago – until you realize that vigilante shockumentaries have simply moved from tv to the internet. ‘Predators’ returns to the popular but controversial show to explore what we can learn from it today about journalism, responsibility and ethical gray areas. CPH:DOX winner David Osit (‘Mayor’, 2020) approaches the delicate subject matter level-headed, engagin in conversation both a very insightful anthropologist and show host Chris Hansen himself. The result is an eye-opening and – it turns out – vulnerable experience for all involved.