The Price of Life

August 2008, Bundaberg photojournalist Nigel Brennan travels to Somalia with Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout. They are abducted by a criminal gang, brutalised, and kept in isolation and ignorance. The ransom amount is US$3 million; if it’s not paid, they will be killed. And the Australian government does not pay ransoms.

Captured by terrorists, kept in solitary confinement, guarded by men with AK47s and little respect for life. Could you survive it?

Bundaberg photojournalist Nigel Brennan travels to Somalia with Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout. They are abducted by a criminal gang, that puts a price of US$3 million on their heads. If it’s not paid, they will be killed. And the Australian government does not pay ransoms.

After more than a year of stalled negotiations, Nigel’s family takes matters into their own hands. They go against government advice, scarifying their livelihoods, their houses and personal lives to bring the hostages home. Meanwhile, the kidnappers are losing patience. Brutalised, shackled, not knowing when or how the situation will end, Nigel faces the fight of his life.

This is a story about what it takes to survive, and how far a family will go for freedom, whatever the price.