Kandahar Journals

Kandahar Journals, directed by Devin Gallagher and Louie Palu, is a gripping non-fiction film from 2017 that deftly blends elements of biography, documentary, and wartime journalism. This visually compelling movie is anchored by the experiences of renowned photojournalist Louie Palu, providing a profound and intimate glimpse into the realities of war-torn Afghanistan.

Louie Palu is a celebrated conflict photographer known for his penetrating and objective images of war, as well as his fearless commitment to his craft. The movie unfolds over his five-year stint in the tumultuous region of Kandahar, Afghanistan, between 2006 and 2010 - a period that saw some of the deadliest fighting in the protracted conflict.

Palu himself serves as the subject and co-director of Kandahar Journals. This dual role lends the film an intimate texture, adding a personal perspective that most war documentaries lack while maintaining an unflinching gaze at the conflict's stark realities. This narrative, uniquely bridging personal experience and objective reportage, makes the movie an exceptional exploration of life and death at the frontlines of war.

The movie mainly comprises Palu's raw, unfiltered video entries - his 'journals' - which were never intended for public viewing initially. These entries, reflecting his day-to-day encounters in Kandahar, detail his evolving perception of war and its debilitating impacts on soldiers, civilians, and the photographer himself, giving us an unprecedented window into the mind of a conflict journalist.

Thanks to Palu’s professional eye, every minute in Kandahar Journals is characterized by striking visual imagery – from the barren, yet somehow beautiful landscapes of Afghanistan to the candid, unembellished shots of the brutalities of war. Simultaneously, the film is tough, humanistic, and harrowing, prompting viewers to wrestle with war's complex and rugged face on a deeply personal level.

More than just a showcase of grotesque realities, much of the movie is dedicated to the war's impact on civilians trapped amidst the chaos. The segments involve first-hand interviews with Afghan citizens, patients at a local hospital, and children left orphaned by the conflict. The sincerity and heart-wrenching nature of these anecdotes bring out the chaos, fear, and desolation that war brings to ordinary lives.

Multiple wartime themes emerge across the narrative, such as the effects on mental health, both for soldiers on the bloody frontlines and the correspondents bearing witness. It is a profound exploration of trauma, resilience, and the struggle to preserve one’s humanity amidst a dehumanizing atmosphere of constant violence and despair.

However, Kandahar Journals is not all bleakness and despair. It finds space for human resilience, dignity, and even humor amongst the tragedy. It points to the hope that manages to surface in even the darkest corners, where local poppy farmers, craftsmen, and teachers strive to lead normal lives within the war's looming shadow.

Another groundbreaking aspect of the movie is its focus on the relatively niche topic of combat photography. Palu's personal perspective provides many insightful reflections on the nature, challenges, and ethics of this profession – a field within photojournalism that is often overlooked. This exploration delves into the gray areas that conflict photographers have to navigate, including dealing with trauma, moral ambiguity, and their role as objective observers amidst the turmoil.

The soundtrack, understated yet powerful, punctuates the film's potent visuals, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact. Unlike typical war documentaries, the absent of a conventional, omniscient voiceover allows the footage to speak for itself, leaving viewers free to interpret Palu's experiences in their own way.

A key strength of Kandahar Journals is its ability to personalize universal themes related to war, without picking sides or promoting propaganda. It is an intimate, thoughtful, and challenging film that depicts the irrevocable stain of war on human lives. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of modern warfare, its toll on the people caught up in it, and the journalists who risk their lives to tell those stories.

In summary, Kandahar Journals offers an immersive, thought-provoking perspective on the Afghan war as witnessed through the lens of a brave photojournalist. It serves as a chilling testimonial to the harsh realities of war and the endurance of the human spirit in the barren landscapes of Kandahar. The cinematic blend of raw footage, personal introspection, and stunning photography combines to create a war documentary unlike any other, offering a moving tribute to those who paid the ultimate price in Afghanistan's unending conflict.