Watch Which way is the front line from here?

Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? is a 2013 documentary film that pays tribute to photojournalist Tim Hetherington, who was killed while covering the Libyan Civil War. Directed by his close friend Sebastian Junger, the documentary traces Hetherington's journey from a student of literature to an award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker.

The film gives an insight into Hetherington's philosophy and approach towards his work. His photographs and films often focused on war and its effects on individuals and communities. He believed that war compelled people to act in ways that they never would in normal circumstances, and it is this aspect that fascinated him as a storyteller.

The documentary features interviews with Hetherington's colleagues, including fellow photojournalists and filmmakers. They talk about his passion for his work and his willingness to take risks to get the story. Hetherington's coverage of the Liberian Civil War, which he documented in his book "Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold," is also given due attention.

The film covers Hetherington's time in Afghanistan, where he worked on his Oscar-nominated documentary, Restrepo. Restrepo was a critical and commercial success and served as a testament to Hetherington's ability to capture a warzone's gritty reality through his lens. The film also features unreleased footage from Hetherington's last project, Diary.

As the documentary narrates key events in Hetherington's life, it also sheds light on the personal toll that his work took on him. Hetherington was acutely aware of the risks that came with covering a conflict, but he believed that the stories he shared could make a difference by creating awareness.

Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? is a fitting tribute to a talented and courageous photojournalist who lost his life while doing what he loved most. The film's strength lies in the way it captures Hetherington's spirit and approach towards his work. The documentary is a reminder of the importance of journalism in keeping us informed about the world around us.

Throughout the film, Hetherington's colleagues, who are experts in their own right, provide candid and insightful comments about his work. Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, notes that Hetherington was "trying to blur the lines" between the photographer and the subject. Anderson elaborates, "It's not enough to simply get close. You have to actually become a part of that community in order to get that intimacy, to get that depth of storytelling."

Peter Bouckaert, director of emergencies at Human Rights Watch, highlights Hetherington's contributions in documenting war crimes. Bouckaert says, "Tim had this incredible ability to humanize the victims of war." Bouckaert also talks about Hetherington's background in literature and how it informed his storytelling.

James Brabazon, a British journalist and documentary filmmaker, talks about Hetherington's friendship and personality. Brabazon notes that Hetherington was "smart, funny, thoughtful, kind, and passionate." Brabazon also shares some of the lighter moments he shared with Hetherington on their assignments, underscoring the close bond they shared.

Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? is a poignant tribute to a photojournalist who left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. Hetherington's legacy lives on through his work, which serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to storytelling. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in photojournalism or conflict reporting.