Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Institute, Documentary Film Program

We are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news about the death of freelance photojournalist James Foley who was killed on August 19 by the group known as ISIS. Foley’s work as one of three cinematographers on the film E-TEAM (directed by Ross Kauffman and Katy Chevigny) was recognized at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival with the Documentary Cinematography Award for its courageous handheld footage.

This moment reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate the filmmakers, documentarians, and journalists who take a stand for what matters to them by pursuing stories in dangerous situations often at great personal risk. E-Team takes viewers to the frontline in Syria and Libya, where Human Rights Watch workers document war crimes and shine a light on them for the world to see. James Foley, like these human rights workers, dedicated his life to exposing the plight of Libyans and Syrians caught in these deadly conflicts.

We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.