Video: War photographers reveal the long-term trauma of their difficult profession
- Text by Adam White
- Photography by Donna Ferrato
“A death unrecorded is a death forgotten.” These are the words of Joao Silva, one of six conflict photographers chronicled in a six-part series of documentary shorts, Conflict. It’s the latest work by New York-based production house Redfitz Films, designed as a series of monologues by prolific photographers of different forms of conflict.
The films explore the harrowing psychological toll conflict takes on those who feel a responsibility to shoot it, and their varying responses to whether photographing scenes of war and violence have had any real power.
Silva talks of the personal cost of his experiences as part of the Bang-Bang Club, the photographer collective that documented the very end of Apartheid in early ’90s South Africa. Photojournalist Pete Muller describes his process, Donna Ferrato explains how a chance documentation inside an abusive home led to a career photographing domestic violence, and Robin Hammond talks of the horrors he has witnessed while chronicling the thousands of victims of rape in the Congo. The three speak of the value of conflict photography, and the need to educate the Western world about violence that would otherwise go ignored.
But photographers Nicole Tung and Eros Haogland come at their profession differently. Tung speaks through tears as she recalls her experiences photographing the conflicts in Syria alongside the late James Foley, killed by ISIS militants in 2014. “I have this privilege to see humanity at its best and worst and everything in between,” she says. “But I don’t think doing this is ever worth your life.” Haogland echoes similar sentiments, recalling the many friends and family he has lost while photographing the drug wars and political corruption in Mexico, and pondering the usefulness of his profession. “My pictures don’t speak, they whisper.”
Provocative, unflinching and cinematic, Conflict is available to watch in its entirety at Redfitz.com
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Meet the hair-raised radical women of Berlin’s noise punk scene
Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy within the German capital’s female-only bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Amid tensions in Eastern Europe, young Latvians are reviving their country’s folk rhythms
Spaces Between the Beats — The Baltic nation’s ancient melodies have long been a symbol of resistance, but as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on, new generations of singers and dancers are taking them to the mainstream.
Written by: Jack Styler
Uwade: “I was determined to transcend popular opinion”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s Nigerian-born, South Carolina-raised indie-soul singer Uwade.
Written by: Uwade
Inside the obscured, closeted habitats of Britain’s exotic pets
“I have a few animals...” — For his new series, photographer Jonty Clark went behind closed doors to meet rare animal owners, finding ethical grey areas and close bonds.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
Frazer Clarke: “I had a hole in my leg, I’m very lucky to be alive”
Hard Feelings — For our interview column on masculinity and fatherhood, the Olympic boxing medallist speaks to Robert Kazandjian about hard graft, the fear and triumph of his first fight, and returning to the ring after being stabbed on a night out.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian
Remembering Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol muse and trans trailblazer
Love You Madly — A new book explores the actress’s rollercoaster life and story, who helped inspire Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Written by: Miss Rosen