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 truly honored to screen “Visions of Warriors” at the Vandenburg Air Force Base on Tuesday, 8/6/19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The goal of our documentary has always been to assist both veterans and active military. We deeply appreciate this wonderful opportunity to share our film with this storied Air Force base. Established in 1941 and located on California’s Central Coast, Vandenburg is the third largest Air Force base in the U.S. and host of the 30th Space Wing. This screening is made possible by many helping agencies at the base—their Mental Health team, Legal team, Inspector General (IG), Equal Opportunity (EO), Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SAPR), and Special Victim’s Counsel (SVC). Thank you to Captain Melissa Ken, all of the participating agencies, and Vandenburg Air Force Base. Special thanks to Charlene and Stanford Hirotsu for their generous donation, which helped pay for travel expenses.

Screening and Q&A with Ming Lai:
Tuesday, 8/6/19, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.*

Vandenburg Air Force Base
747 Nebraska Ave.
Vandenburg Air Force Base, CA 93437

*This screening is private and not open to the public.

To learn more about the base:
https://www.vandenberg.af.mil/