Watch Karsh is History: Photographing Icons

Karsh is History: Photographing Icons is a feature-length documentary film that explores the life and work of acclaimed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh. Directed and produced by Nahlah Ayed and written by Patricia Rozema, the film delves deep into Karsh's personal and professional journey to becoming one of the most recognizable and influential portrait photographers of the 20th century.

The film features rare footage of Karsh, interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, and extensive research on his subjects and their historical contexts. It interweaves Karsh's own narrative with the stories of the iconic figures he captured in his portraits, providing a unique perspective on both the photographer and his subjects.

Karsh is History begins by tracing Karsh's early life in Armenia and his family's immigration to Canada in 1924. After struggling to fit in and learn English, Karsh discovered his passion for photography and eventually landed a job as an apprentice to the prominent Canadian photographer John H. Garo. Karsh's talent and dedication quickly became apparent, and he began to develop his own style and approach to photography.

The film goes on to explore some of Karsh's most famous and iconic portraits, including those of Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and Pablo Picasso. Through interviews with historians, writers, and cultural critics, the film investigates the historical, political, and cultural significance of these figures and their enduring legacies.

In addition to the iconic subjects, Karsh is History also delves into the lesser-known portraits and personal projects that reveal a more complex and nuanced side to Karsh's artistry. From his portraits of Indigenous Canadians to his documentation of Soviet dancers on tour in Canada, Karsh's work reflects a deep curiosity and empathy for a diverse range of cultures and perspectives.

Throughout the film, Karsh is portrayed as a meticulous and dedicated artist, constantly striving to capture the essence of his subjects in a single moment. His use of dramatic lighting, careful composition, and precise timing resulted in portraits that not only captured a likeness but also revealed the subject's character and personality.

Karsh is History also explores the challenges and controversies that Karsh faced throughout his career, particularly in relation to his portrait of Churchill. The film grapples with questions around the ethics of portraiture, including issues of power, representation, and agency.

Overall, Karsh is History provides a captivating and insightful look at one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Through its exploration of Karsh's life and work, the film offers a unique perspective on the power of portraiture to shape our understanding of history, culture, and identity.