Targets: Reporters in Iraq

Never before have journalists been the target of violence to the degree they are now in Iraq. Kidnappings and decapitations are real threats to those practising this profession. The Iranian-Canadian documentary filmmaker and news correspondent Maziar Bahari (previously at IDFA with , 2001, and other films) made a poignant account about the effect violence has on the lives of journalists, and how it influences their work. Correspondent Hannah Allam explains to what extent violence has penetrated her life. Her interpreter's family was murdered and a colleague was shot at an American checkpoint. Nevertheless, Hannah continues with her work, albeit with very limited freedom of movement. Canadian journalist Scott Taylor was abducted and tortured in Iraq. Still, he travels back to Iraq, but this time embedded, to tell the soldiers about his experiences and to confront one of his kidnappers. Giuliana Sgrena, the Italian journalist whose rescuer died during her ride to freedom, and the Frenchman Christian Chesnot also talk about the violence and abductions they experienced.