1341 Frames Of Love And War (2022)

Great photographers have the ability to capture a moment that leaves an imprint of time. And Ran Tal's film is an attempt to peer beyond that impartial lens, trying to understand what goes on in the mind of a photographer seeking the perfect shot. This documentary film tells the story of the life and work of the legendary war photographer Micha Bar-Am. The film skillfully weaves together two narratives — on one hand, it's a detailed portrait of the artist, and on the other, an essay on memory, violence, and identity. Utilizing an extensive collection of archival images captured by Bar-Am over five decades, Ran Tal introduces the audience to the history and culture of Israel. 1341 Frames of Love and War is not just a tribute to Bar-Am's mastery; it's an exploration of the beauty, power, and horror of potent photographic images. Even the most harrowing of visuals possess an aesthetic allure — and the director attempts to find an answer to the question: how should one respond to this? And what does the photographer, creating such images, feel?