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 thrilled to announce that “Visions of Warriors” will be screening at the Coronado Public Library on Saturday, 3/21/2020, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. as part of the California Center for the Book and California libraries’ Community Conversations with Veterans program. Coronado and surrounding San Diego are home to many veterans and active military. Founded in 1890, the library on picturesque Coronado island has a rich history. John D. Spreckels, the owner of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, built the library with its classic revival architecture and gave it to the city of Coronado and its people. According to its website, the mission of the library is to “promote reading, life-long learning, and the pursuit of knowledge.” Its veterans resources include “Veterans Connect @ the Library,” which connects veterans and their families to benefits and services for which they are eligible. Thank you to the Eileen Hauser, the Coronado Public Library, Franklin Escobedo, Jim Zenner, L.A. County Department of Mental Health, Julianna Robbins, and the California Center for the Book for this wonderful honor.

Screening and Q&A with Ming Lai:
Saturday, 3/21/2020, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Coronado Public Library
640 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118

To learn more about the library:
https://www.coronado.ca.us/government/departments_divisions/library_services

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