ABSTRACT
In the digital age, the proliferation of fake news challenges public trust in media and distorts democratic processes. This research aimed to examine how media artworks, specifically documentary film, can combat misinformation by enhancing media literacy. The documentary aimed to illuminate the production, distribution, and consumption of fake news, serving as an educational tool. Through interviews with experts, artists, and educators, complemented by case studies, the film underscored the psychological and societal impacts of fake news while emphasizing critical thinking and media literacy. Using a qualitative approach, the study employed interviews to explore media consumption behaviors, with the collected data analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Participants selected through purposive sampling, identified key factors affecting digital media credibility: visual elements like design imitation and inconsistency signal potential deception, while media outlet logos and presentation quality indicate credibility. This paper stresses the urgency of integrating media literacy into educational curricula and public awareness initiatives to counter the fake news epidemic. By leveraging the creative and emotional impact of media artworks, this research deepens understanding of their role in combating misinformation, contributing to ongoing discourse on media literacy and its crucial role in preserving democratic integrity.
Key Words: fake news, media literacy, documentary film, critical thinking, digital age