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From www.filmmakers.com Indies
LIBERIA: AN UNCIVIL WAR follows a rebel army made up of indigenous Liberians intent on overthrowing the government of then-President Charles Taylor. IDA Executive Director Sandra Ruch says the Courage Under Fire Award is a special tribute, only given once before, to documentarians who distinguish themselves in the face of extraordinary danger. IDA presented this award to Saira Shah and James Miller in 2001 for their documentary BENEATH THE VEIL. Stack is a two-time Academy Award(R) nominee and an Emmy(R)-winning documentary filmmaker who has produced more than 75 films including THE FARM: ANGOLA, USA, THE WILDEST SHOW IN THE SOUTH: THE ANGOLA PRISON RODEO, and AFTER 9/11: REBUILDING LIVES. "It's a big responsibility to tell people's stories as their lives unfold," says Stack. "In that sense, I believe all documentary filmmakers are courageous. I think the 'under fire' is built with the commitment. It is the part of you that will do whatever it takes to get it done." Brabazon is an acclaimed international photojournalist whose work on the frontlines has appeared on the Discovery Channel, CNN, the BBC, TVNZ, SKY and the SABC. Both Stack and Brabazon fervently acknowledge the importance of the work done by the film's cinematographer Tim Hetherington. "Without Tim, there would not be a film," says Stack. "His images give you an intimate feeling of war because he did not lose sight of what needed to get done. He's incredibly talented and damn brave." Stack, Brabazon and Hetherington traveled to Liberia in the summer of 2003, when a ferocious battle for control of the country raged for 10 weeks, taking thousands of lives, and wounding and destroying the livelihood of tens of thousands of civilians who waited for help from the international community. The documentary takes viewers through to August 2003, when President Taylor agrees to step down and take exile in Nigeria, ending another chapter in Liberia's turbulent history. Kodak has sponsored the IDA Awards since their inception in 1984. IDA has some 3,000 members in 50 countries today. Contact: Sally Christgau or Satosha Patterson, International Documentary Association Phone: 760-438-5250 Email: CCSPR@aol.com Website: www.documentary.org © Copyright 2003 by www.filmmakers.com |
