Today’s episode of THE SOUNDS OF FILM features Tom Needham’s interview with director Craig Renaud and producer Juan Arredondo discussing the powerful HBO Original documentary short, ARMED ONLY WITH A CAMERA: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF BRENT RENAUD. The film tells the remarkable and heartbreaking story of filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud, who was killed by Russian soldiers while covering the war in Ukraine—becoming the first American journalist to die in the conflict.
The vérité documentary follows Craig Renaud as he recovers his brother’s body and final footage from Ukraine, weaving together decades of the brothers’ reporting from global conflict zones including Iraq, Haiti, Somalia, and Central America. The result is a moving testament to Brent’s fearless commitment to truth and his empathy for those caught in the chaos of war. Produced by Juan Arredondo and executive produced by HBO Documentary Films and DCTV, Armed Only With a Camera is both a deeply personal story and a tribute to journalists who risk their lives to show the human cost of violence. The documentary premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award in the Documentary Short category, and debuts Tuesday, October 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and streams on Max.
About The Sounds of Film
The Sounds of Film is the nation’s longest-running film and music-themed radio show, broadcasting for over three decades. Hosted by Tom Needham, the program offers in-depth interviews with leading directors, composers, and thought leaders from around the world. Past guests have included Laurie Anderson, Ernest Dickerson, Hal Hartley, Barbara Kopple, Chuck D and Howard Shore.
Listeners can hear The Sounds of Film on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. The show continues to explore the intersection of art, politics, and social justice through conversations with today’s most compelling filmmakers and musicians.