Interview by Elliot V. Kotek
Videography by F.J.Productions
(from the 2010 Sundance Film Festival)

Movie: Restrepo (documentary)
Directed by: Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
 

Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington discuss connecting with soldiers in Afghanistan and being emotionally embedded for their documentary “Restrepo.” The filmmakers talk about how the documentary, which won the Sundance Grand Jury Award, was shot over a year spent with the Second Platoon in the strategically crucial and incredibly dangerous Korengal Valley. Hetherington and Junger, both journalists, are by no means unfamiliar with danger and have spent decades between them covering war zones across the globe. The duo explain that, for the making of “Restrepo,” they needed to delve deep and become part of the platoon, functioning like soldiers to bond with their subjects in a way neither had ever done before. They feel the result is an honest film about soldiers at war that deliberately avoids any political undertones. Junger mentions he was particularly pleased that the families of the soldiers were touched to see a documentary that helped them understand what their loved ones have been through in very real way. “Restrepo” screened on opening night at the 2010 Sundance Film festival.

Read our review of "Restrepo"