Today, National Geographic Documentary Films debuted the official trailer for the critically acclaimed film Love+War, a stirring and intimate portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Lynsey Addario. From Academy Award-winning directing-producing team Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (“Free Solo,” “The Rescue”), the film tells the extraordinary story of one of the world’s most fearless visual journalists as she captures the raw realities of conflict across multiple war zones while balancing motherhood. Shannon Dill (“Free Solo,” “Boys State”) and Anna Barnes (“Lost in the Jungle,” “Wild Life”) of Little Monster Films are producers. Love+War will premiere in select theaters across the U.K. and U.S. beginning October 24, followed by its television debut on National Geographic on November 6 @ 9PM/8c. The film will then be available to stream globally on Disney+ starting November 7.
Love+War world premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a powerful response and earned a lengthy standing ovation. Critics have hailed the film as “emotional, exhilarating and essential,” “real, raw and deeply human,” and “fascinating.” Most recently, Love+War screened at The Atlantic Festival, Camden Film Festival, and Calgary International Film Festival. It will continue to screen at multiple festivals, including Hamptons International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, London Film Festival, and Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.
“Lynsey Addario’s courage, empathy, and unwavering dedication to shining a light on timely and urgent stories is unmatched,” said Carolyn Bernstein, EVP of Documentary Films at National Geographic. “We are grateful to work alongside Chai and Jimmy, Nat Geo’s longtime collaborators, to bring Lynsey’s extraordinary journey to audiences worldwide.”
Addario has risked her life to capture the stark realities of war – from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine. Love+War chronicles Addario’s ascent in the male-dominated world of conflict photography. But her work is dangerous. She’s been kidnapped twice while on assignment in war zones – a cost she must wrestle with each time she leaves her husband and two sons. Behind the camera, Addario is torn between her unwavering commitment to the essential work of journalism and the powerful, competing demands of motherhood, grappling with what it truly means to follow your calling when it threatens everything you love.
“Love+War is a tribute to Lynsey Addario’s courage and character,” said Vasarhelyi. “Her candid struggle to balance her commitments to both her work and her family is one many can relate to. I know I do. Moreover, Lynsey’s dogged dedication to chronicling the truth in the world’s most dangerous conflicts reveals the profound sacrifices behind the work of journalism and its power to inspire change.”
Chin adds, “Lynsey Addario is not only an incredible photojournalist but also a dear friend whose courage and compassion have always inspired me. Love+War captures the depth of her commitment. Not just to her work, but to the complex balance of life and family. Her fearless storytelling shines a light on the world’s most challenging conflicts, reminding us why her voice is so vital.”
“Love+War reveals the immense toll this work takes,” said Addario. “Not only on one’s personal and professional life, but also on physical and mental health. Being a war photographer isn’t just a job; it’s a calling that touches every part of your life. I hope the film highlights the importance of this work, the sacrifices it demands, and how important it is to profile a woman in this role, traditionally held by a man.”
Vasarhelyi is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for her critically acclaimed documentaries, including “Free Solo,” which earned an Oscar®, a BAFTA, and seven Emmys®. She co-directed “The Rescue,” “Return to Space” and “Meru,” and she has received honors from Sundance, BAFTA, DGA, and Peabody Awards. In 2023, she directed her first scripted feature, “Nyad” for Netflix, earning Oscar nominations for both lead actors. Her recent 2025 release includes National Geographic Documentary Films’ “Lost in the Jungle.”
Chin is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, National Geographic photographer, and elite climber who has led and documented groundbreaking expeditions for over two decades. He won an Oscar and BAFTA for co-directing “Free Solo,” which also earned seven Emmys, and later co-directed the Netflix scripted feature “Nyad,” earning Oscar nominations for its lead actors. His recent 2025 release includes National Geographic Documentary Films’ “Lost in the Jungle.” His additional work includes “The Rescue,” “Meru,” and the Nat Geo series “Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin.”
Love+War is presented by National Geographic Documentary Films and is a Little Monster Films production. The film is directed and produced by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. Shannon Dill and Anna Barnes serve as producers. Executive producers include Carolyn Bernstein and Tim Horsburgh with National Geographic Documentary Films.
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