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Ex-men’s shirt as new dress for you (by nobody66664)

REMEMBERING FILM INDEPENDENT FELLOW, TIM HETHERINGTON: A SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTE

Using the never seen before raw assets from Tim’s Nominee Video taped January 5, 2011.  We are honored to present to you, a Special Film Independent Video Tribute for Tim, his loved ones, and for the whole world to see:

THEREIN LIES THE IRONY

By Deanna Russo

I was privileged to get to know Tim, through my work as the Producer of Film Independent’s “Spirit Awards” Nominee Interviews.  You can imagine, when working on an esteemed project, not only do you have the chance to work with the world’s most dynamic individuals, but also, during one of the most exciting times in their life.

Tim was a stand out to me.  From the moment he walked through the door.  He struck a tall silhouette with a charming accent, and smiling eyes.  However, you could tell there was more behind his eyes.  He had seen things you and I might not ever see in a lifetime.  He had stories to tell and images to share.  His head was full.

I know this because, when he walked in, I told him how lucky he and Sebastian were to work with Film Independent’s Board Member, Laura Kim.  He whole heartedly agreed, and said, “If it wasn’t for Laura, I would have trouble keeping track of where I am each day.  You could tell he was being stretched thin in the distribution and promotional aspects of getting “Restrepo” out to the world, but was cherishing ever moment of it.

Keeping true to independent film making, each Nominee was tasked with the concept of shooting his/her own interview with a Flip Cam. The Nominees were urged to be as creative as possible.  At first, there was some hesitation and contemplation from Tim preferring to just have a conversation, but only for a moment.  

“Alright, let’s do it.”  Tim decided to embrace it - resulting in a beautiful irony.  

Being a filmmaker, Tim very conscientiously chose to set the Flip Cam up on a tripod.  He worked with one of our PA’s to frame up the shot just right. I felt like I was witnessing a moment of watching a great artist like Monet paint a brush stroke.  As I watched, I remember thinking, here is a person world re-nowned for his photography and image making, and the aesthetic he chooses for himself, is a talking head in front of a white background?  

Therein lies the irony.  What actually resulted, is the most pure, raw, intimate, thoughtful, self portrait of one of the world’s most honorable men.  Whether Tim knew it or not, the following video he left us is a gift.  If you didn’t know Tim, after watching this, you will have a better idea as to why the world feels an enormous void, especially, when you see him laugh.

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On a personal note - Over the course of awards season, I’m extremely grateful for the time I had to get to know Tim.  I’m so glad I got to share in the excitement of the Nominee Brunch, the Oscar Nomination via a congratulatory email, and a show of my support by attending the “Vanity Fair” Academy screening with Tim and Sebastian’s Q&A.  I was so moved by seeing “Restrepo” on the big screen.  I was especially awe struck by the sounds of war.  The screener I had watched at home, just didn’t cut it. 

After watching the film, I had a chance to collectively thank Tim and Sebastian for “taking us to a place, that I would never want to go.”  I was particularly taken aback by the haunting sounds of bullet shells hitting the ground and the sounds of gun shots that I could feel in my chest.  I asked if the sound design had been enhanced.  Tim said, “What you hear, is what we filmed.  We always intended for the film to play on the big screen.”  I also asked, if the decision was a conscious one to edit the film where you never see the enemy’s face. Tim explained, that it wasn’t.  ”That’s why they use the term “Ghost War”, because you never see the enemy.  It’s actually quite eerie…”  He continued to explain, further engulfing himself in what he was saying and then he suddenly lost his train of thought and asked with a familiar chuckle, “What was I saying?”  It was a pure, comfortable, human moment.  Once again, his head was full.

When I first heard that Tim may have been injured in Libya, I was holding out hope. I immediately contacted Laura Kim who confirmed that the reports were sadly true. “No not Tim - please God not Tim.”   I was heartbroken watching the story unfold on television.  Shell shocked, I watched the real time results on the internet add up into the hundreds.  That’s when something quite large dawned on me.  Not only is losing Tim a loss for anyone who knew him or who was lucky enough to cross paths with him, but because of the way he conducted his life, his passing has struck a deep chord in our very human existence that affects us all.  

Then, I became angry.  Of all places Libya?  A senseless war driven by an ego maniac?  But then I thought, yes, of course, of all places Libya is exactly where Tim would make a conscious decision to be.  A conscious decision that would never even enter most people’s minds; to find a way in, knowing it was tricky, fast moving, and that protective gear was not readily available.  This was his calling, to relay the story to us, so that we would better understand the fragile threads that bond us together - even in the face of what you and I might deem as senseless conflict.  

I truly feel like I am better person for having known Tim.  It’s hard for me to make sense of things, because Tim was one of the most alive people I’ve ever known.  I was really looking forward to watching the world continue to unfold for him.  

It’s so surreal - how fragile life is. Even though Tim tempted it, I don’t think he thought he was invincible. Ironically, I think he risked his life, so that he could show through his image making, how fragile life REALLY is.  

Thank you Tim, for gracing us with your life and the images and messages you leave behind.  Your brilliant work as a compassionate, brave, bearer of truth - has not been in vain.  My respect for you is boundless my friend.

“When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tim’s images and words will live longer then any of us…I think he knew that. That was the “light” he left behind.