A standing ovation and tears from the audience, which included his parents. That was the reaction on Saturday to the Sundance film festival premiere of Jim: The James Foley Story, the HBO documentary on the American photojournalist publicly executed in 2012 by ISIS whilst on assignment in Syria.
“I made this film to carry on the stories that Jim needed us to know,” reflects director Brian Oakes. “It’s important that we understand the significant role of today’s conflict journalists and why they risk their lives to tell the world how bad it can be.”
"On Thanksgiving Day 2012, American photojournalist James 'Jim' Foley was kidnapped in Syria and went missing for two years before the infamous video of his public execution sent shockwaves and introduced much of the world to ISIS," reads the HBO back story. "Jim: The James Foley Story, by close childhood friend Brian Oakes, tells the story of his life through intimate interviews with his family, friends and fellow journalists – while fellow hostages reveal never-before-heard details of his captivity with a chilling immediacy that builds suspense. Made with unparalleled access, it's a harrowing chronicle of bravery, compassion and pain at the dawn of America’s war with ISIS."
Special guest at the screening was Sting who performed the song he co-authored for the film, 'Empty Chair', with J. Ralph.