HEADSHOTS – ANJA NIEDRINGHAUS, PHOTOGRAPHER
"Headshots" explores the extraordinary life and tragic death of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Anja Niedringhaus, showcasing her powerful images and probing the suspicious circumstances of her 2014 death in Afghanistan.
"Headshots" chronicles the life and legacy of German photojournalist Anja Niedringhaus, who dedicated over 25 years to capturing the human side of war in conflict zones such as the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. As a prominent figure at the Associated Press, she received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize. Her untimely death in April 2014 during the Afghan presidential elections shocked the world. The film delves into the circumstances surrounding her death, challenging the official narrative of a spontaneous act by a lone perpetrator and uncovering links to broader terrorist networks. Through a blend of biographical storytelling and historical context, the documentary explores what made Niedringhaus’s work exceptional. Rejecting the label of “war photographer”, she focused on portraying the profound impact of war on individuals, capturing moments of humanity amidst chaos. Her images, characterised by deep empathy and resilience, continue to resonate, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in photojournalism.