Jonathan Stackand James Brabazon will receive the International Documentary Association's(IDA) Courage Under Fire Award for Liberia: An Uncivil War.

The picture charts a crucial time in the political life ofthe West African nation in summer 2003 as a rebel army comprising indigenousLiberians attempts to overthrow the government of then-president CharlesTaylor.

It recently wonthe Special Jury Award at the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam(IDFA).

"The CourageUnder Fire Award is being presented to these filmmakers for their conspicuousbravery and fearless perseverance in the face of danger,' IDA presidentRichard Propper said in a statement.

"They riskedtheir lives to get the extraordinary footage that comprises Liberia: AnUncivil War. Theirdedicated and uncompromising example is inspiring to documentarians around theworld.'

"It's a bigresponsibility to tell people's stories as their lives unfold," said Stack, atwo-time Oscar nominee whose credits include The Farm: Angola, USA and The Wildest Show In The South:The Angola Prison Rodeo.

"In that sense, I believe all documentary filmmakers arecourageous. I think the 'under fire' is built with the commitment. It is thepart of you that will do whatever it takes to get it done. We are very proud ofthis film."

Stack also paidtribute to cinematographer Tim Hetherington, without whom he said there wouldbe no film.

"The one whocaptures the images that tell the story is the cameraman. The work Tim did isextraordinary. His images give you an intimate feeling of war because he didnot lose sight of what he needed to get done. He's incredibly talented and damnbrave."

Michael Moorewill present the award at the 20th Annual IDA Distinguished DocumentaryAchievement Award ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec 10.

The Courage Under Fire Award has only been presented oncebefore to Saira Shah and James Miller in 2001 for their documentary BeneathThe Veil, which was filmed in Afghanistan.