As Western consumers, our knowledge and understanding of far flung wars is driven by coverage from war correspondents. However, in a world riddled with conflict and overflowing with professional and amateur reportage, it’s often the images which stay with us the most. Chris Hombros was one of the most celebrated and highly-respected war photographers of his generation. His determination to document the truth eventually cost him his death.
Hondros, the new documentary from Greg Campbell, is a tribute to Chris’ skill, dedication and work. It’s also a portrait of a popular, caring and highly-respected man. Beginning with the war in Kosovo in 1999, he spent over a decade working in some of the most dangerous conflict zones. In a vocation which demands bravery, selfishness and taking risks to succeed, according to the testimonies of his peers Chris was as equally concerned with the welfare of his colleagues as capturing that perfect shot.
There have been several recent documentaries about journalists who have died in the pursuit of that one picture or story. What makes Hondros stand-out is the focus on Chris Hondros as a person as much as an award-winning combat photographer. His story is told through the recollections of friends, fellow photographers and family, using archive film and interviews to tie everything together. Hondros is an impressive tribute to a man who was much more than just one of the best in the business.
Hondros screens at Bertha DocHouse from 2 March.
