Lynsey Addario: New Documentary “Love+War” Reveals Her Story

Lynsey Addario’s life resembles that of an action-packed thriller: she won the Pulitzer Prize. She recently shared her work through an engaging new documentary entitled “Love+War”, which premiered on National Geographic and is now streaming via Disney+ and Hulu.

Oscar award-winning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin directed this 96-minute documentary, following Addario through the Ukraine conflict before her return to London, where she must balance photographing war zones while caring for two small boys.

How Many Times Was Lynsey Addario Kidnapped?

Lynsey Addario survived two terrifying kidnapping incidents during her career as a war correspondent for major news organisations. Yet these traumas did not dissuade her from returning to war zones.

The Libya kidnapping in 2011 was much more dramatic and brutal, when Gaddafi’s regime captured Addario along with three New York Times colleagues: Anthony Shadid, Tyler Hicks and Stephen Farrell were taken hostage along with Addario from Ajdabiya.

The group endured five harrowing days in prison. Soldiers repeatedly threatened to execute them. Male journalists endured severe beatings, while Addario experienced sexual assault as well as constant groping by her captors. Every journalist was armed directly at them.

Turkish diplomats finally gained release on March 21, 2011, the day the world was eagerly awaiting news. Addario felt betrayed by her colleagues for continuing in such a hazardous profession; her colleagues felt as if her actions could result in her being taken away for yet another arrest, which may leave her looking irresponsible and vulnerable.

Kidnappings taught her a powerful lesson on the risks of journalism. Since that day, she considers every assignment with care, considering its emotional repercussions for both herself and her family when making any decision.

Does Lynsey Addario Have Kids?

Lynsey Addario’s family life has brought with it unexpected strains she hadn’t anticipated when entering war photography as an amateur. They have significantly changed her perception and approach. Family life has presented her with unexpected challenges she couldn’t have anticipated before starting this work.

Lynsey gave birth to Lukas de Bendern on December 19, 2011; now 14 years old. Alfred, her 6-year-old, also lives with them both in London with Lynsey and her husband.

Addario married Paul de Bendern in July 2009; he worked previously as a journalist for Reuters and fully understands the demands of her profession; sharing this shared background is something that strengthens their bond even further.

Addario never intended to become a mother; her job was dangerous enough that it allowed her to avoid family life altogether; initial relationships had failed due to constant travelling and risks involved; she saw work as her “true love.”

She kept the news of her first baby as quiet as possible from editors for fear they might fail to assign stories they found important. While pregnant, she travelled across Senegal, Kenya, Somalia and Gaza – without stopping work in any one location!

As children, both boys believed their mother was an experienced baker. She would regularly bake after returning from combat as a way of unwinding and bonding with them, unaware of the risks she was subjecting herself to.

The film depicts heartbreaking moments between families. One son seems distant while his younger counterpart begins regressing and weeping on his mattress. Addario admits that watching this film often causes her to shed tears.

Where Does Lynsey Addario Currently Live?

Lynsey Addario lives with her family in London, England, in a comfortable townhouse that serves as her base of operations; from there, she travels between war zones and home life on a regular basis.

Paul had worked as a journalist in various places around London, thus providing stability for raising their children in this new city.

Their London home frequently appeared in their “Love+War” documentary. Filmmakers captured everyday events like bedtime and homework – providing an unusual juxtaposition between war zones and daily life.

Addario was born in Westport, Connecticut, to Italian American parents who both worked as hairdressers. She attended Staples High School before earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995.

Addario first met Paul de Bendern in Istanbul when she moved there in 2006. There, Paul became newly appointed Reuters Turkish Bureau Chief, and they quickly developed a mutual interest and romance between themselves as travelling journalists.

Her professional photography career started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1996 with no prior training – just buying her camera and taking pictures on a whim! The Buenos Aires Herald gave her her first assignment.

She finds her emotional stability shaken after experiencing her first breakup and admits that children must be “much harder” than fighting in war; domestic responsibilities seem overwhelming after combat-related adrenaline has worn off; she even spends much of her night reading stories to keep busy.

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Lynsey Addario’s Award-Winning Career in War Photography

Addario has covered every major conflict over the last 25 years, and her photographs of power have changed how people view war. She is particularly keen on telling women’s stories within conservative societies.

She has won two Pulitzer Prizes while working at The New York Times: in 2009 for Afghanistan/Pakistan coverage; and in 2023 for Ukraine War reporting – also earning her another Pulitzer finalist nod at that time.

A 2022 photo she posted showing a Ukrainian family being killed by Russian mortars went viral, as two children and their mother died while trying to escape. It appeared on the New York Times front page as proof of war crimes being committed against innocent civilians.

Addario was honoured with a MacArthur Fellowship (or “Genius Grant”) in 2009. Additionally, she earned Polk Awards, Emmy nominations, Olivier Rebbot Awards, and was bestowed five honorary doctorates by five universities.

“It’s What I Do”, her memoir published in 2015, became a best-seller and Warner Bros bought its rights for adaptation of this story on film, with Steven Spielberg set to direct alongside Jennifer Lawrence playing Addario in its adaptation.

Addario was forced into extreme vulnerability for her documentary; she needed to reveal every aspect of her existence for public viewing. Her family roles could initially come across as arrogant; however, Addario wanted younger women to identify with these roles and imagine themselves within them.

“Love+War” does not glorify war photography; instead, it reveals its devastating effects on loved families. Addario can barely watch 20 minutes without crying – daily guilt consumes her life.

Are you curious to witness Lynsey Addario’s powerful story? Check out “Love+War” now on Disney+ and Hulu to watch! Have any thoughts on Lynsey’s courage or bravery? Leave us your comments below, and follow ShowsBuzzz for the latest documentary news and entertainment news!