LOGLINE: In “Visions of Warriors,” four veterans from the Vietnam War era to the Iraq War participate in the groundbreaking Veteran Photo Recovery Project at the VA Menlo Park and use innovative photography therapy to treat their mental illness. SYNOPSIS: “Visions of Warriors” enters the minds of four veterans from the Vietnam War era to the Iraq War who are battling against mental illness—Mark Pinto, Homerina “Merina” Bond, Ari Sonnenberg, and Priscila “Peni” Bethel. They participate in the groundbreaking Veteran Photo Recovery Project at the VA Menlo Park and use innovative photography therapy to treat their moral injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and other mental illnesses. The documentary also profiles the Veteran Photo Recovery Project team—founder and nurse practitioner Susan Quaglietti, art therapist Jeff Stadler, clinical social worker Ryan Gardner, and clinical psychologist Kristen McDonald. With a non-linear narrative structure to mirror the veterans’ shattered lives, the documentary alternates between the veterans and the mental health providers. It also introduces other dynamic veterans who participated in the program. The overall narrative arc of the film extends from the veterans’ diverse backgrounds to their challenging military service to their debilitating mental illness to their intensive treatment. Because the veterans use photography therapy to treat their mental illness, the cinematography is inspired by iconic photo essays in Life Magazine and National Geographic that intimately capture people’s lives. Ultimately, “Visions of Warriors” is a universal story about the strength of the human spirit. OFFICIAL SITES: http://www.visionsofwarriors.com https://www.facebook.com/visionsofwarriors/ https://twitter.com/humanistfilms

We’re excited to announce that “Visions of Warriors” will be screening at the Inglewood Public Library on Monday, 3/25/19, at 5:30 p.m. According to their site, their mission is to “provide information, educational, and recreational services and resources responsive to the library’s diverse communities.” One of the many reasons why we love Los Angeles is the extensive library system which serves the city’s diverse communities. This screening is made possible by “Californians: Community Conversations with Veterans,” a partnership between the California Center for the Book and Veterans Connect @ the Library. We deeply appreciate the West Los Angeles Vet Center for being the community partner for this screening. Thank you to Ritse Adefolalu, the Inglewood Public Library, Sharon Anderson-Fields, the West Los Angeles Vet Center, and the California Center for the Book for this wonderful opportunity.

Screening and Q&A with Ming Lai:
Monday, 3/25/19, 5:30 p.m.

Inglewood Public Library
101 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90301
310-412-5380

To learn more about the library:
https://www.cityofinglewood.org/787/Inglewood-Public-Library

To learn more about the West Los Angeles Vet Center:
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=516

To learn more about “Californians: Community Conversations with Veterans”:
https://calbook.org/programs/californians-community-conversations-with-veterans/