New film investigates James Foley's ISIS kidnapping and death
Foley's childhood friend examines tragedy and late journalist's desire to work in conflict zones
When freelance journalist James Foley was killed in 2014 after being captured in northwestern Syria — the first American citizen to die at the hands of ISIS militants — his death became the story itself, overshadowing his life's work.
A new documentary called Jim: The James Foley Story investigates the tragedy but also Foley's path and desire to return to dangerous parts of the world, even after being kidnapped once before in Libya.
"I had the question and some of his friends asked the same thing, 'what are you doing?'" said Brian Oakes, the filmmaker and childhood friend of Foley's. "What keeps you wanting to go over there? That ultimately is the question I based the thesis of the film on, why conflict journalists continue to go back to these war zones and risk their lives."
His close relationship with Foley allowed Oakes unique access to the late journalist's family, colleagues and other hostages.
The film, which will air Monday on HBO Canada, premiered to a standing ovation at the Sundance Film Festival in January, taking home the audience award for a U.S. documentary.
Oakes says Foley's work deserves recognition for trying to put a spotlight on problems that weren't attracting worldwide attention at the time, including the crisis in Syria.
"These stories he was talking about and telling which weren't necessarily being talked about or paid attention to then, are just so relevant now," said Oakes. "That, I think is something that I want people to remember when you question what he was doing over there."