Stephen Dupont

Finalist, the Sony Impact Award 2006

Australian

Shot: Afghanistan, 1 October 2005
Self-funded, broadcast on SBS Dateline

“It was the bizarre and futile nature of the Americans behaviour that struck me. This piece is also authentic and telling.”
Judge's Comment
 
Startling scenes of what can be done in the name of a ‘just war’ captured during Stephen Dupont’s embed with the US 173rd Airborne Division. In their efforts to tempt Taliban fighters out of hiding, the Psychological Operations Unit are seen playing loud Western rock music. They also broadcast anti-Taliban statements over loud-hailers after troops burn the bodies of two Taliban fighters. The footage contains evidence that this was done to taunt other Islamic fighters. This film prompted the immediate suspension of psychological warfare operations by US Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Biography
Stephen Dupont is a Sydney-based freelance photojournalist specialising in long-term projects on conflict and global social issues. He has worked in war zones round the world for 17 years, filming reports for SBS Dateline, ABC Foreign Correspondent and the BBC.