Filmmaker Honors Slain Brother by Finishing His Work

Filmmaker Craig Renaud achieved an Academy Award nomination for best documentary short film with 'Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud.' This deeply personal film serves as a tribute to his brother, Brent Renaud, a journalist killed by Russian forces in Ukraine during the initial weeks of the war.

The Oscar nomination brings mixed emotions for Craig Renaud and producer Juan Arredondo, who was wounded in the same attack. Both grapple with survivor's guilt and the trauma of documenting Brent's death. Arredondo expressed that the film, while celebrating Brent, is not the one they envisioned.

Despite the painful subject matter, the 37-minute film celebrates Brent's career, highlighting his commitment to honest and heartfelt storytelling. One poignant scene features a man in Somalia commending Brent's faithful and empathetic approach to filming, a moment that deeply moved Craig Renaud.

The work of filmmakers covering the Russia-Ukraine war has been prominent at recent Academy Awards, with '20 Days in Mariupol' winning best documentary feature last year. Renaud and Arredondo, however, remain focused on their continued work in conflict zones, believing their reporting is essential.