THE COLORADO STATE LIBARY TO SHARE “VISIONS OF WARRIORS” WITH THE COLORADO LIBRARY COMMUNITY

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 pleased to work with the Colorado State Library to share free “Visions of Warriors” online screenings with the Colorado library community. According to their site, the Colorado State Library is “a division of the Colorado Department of Education” which “helps libraries, schools, museums, and other organizations to access and use the materials and information they need for lifelong learning.” To assist veterans who are at even more risk because of COVID-19, we’re offering online screenings of our documentary at no charge to libraries, universities, veterans organizations, and mental health organizations. We also include many free resources: a Press Kit, a Discussion Guide, a “How to Organize a Screening” Guide, and a “How to Set Up an Online Screening and Q&A” Guide. Best of all, we provide extensive support to participants. Veterans are facing extraordinary challenges during the pandemic. Hopefully, our film can help support veterans during this tough time. Thank you to Nicolle Davies and the Colorado State Library for their generous assistance.

To set up an online screening, contact us:
shoot[at]humanistfilms[dot]com

To learn more about the Colorado State Library:
https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/