Active-duty service members and veterans will be admitted free for all sessions of the film series. Courtesy/Warrior Films
NMDVS News:
SANTA FE — Tickets are still available for the Veterans Journey Home film series to be screened on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 and Friday Nov. 12 at the Jean Cocteau Cinema in downtown Santa Fe.
The five-film series from acclaimed filmmaker Frederick Marx, who co-made the acclaimed 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams, is hosted by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS) and Warrior Films. They show the amazing journey of veterans readjusting to life back home after returning from combat.
The films are not just for and about veterans, Marx said, they offer life lessons for all adults—veterans and non-veterans.
“These stories are about human transformation – about how all of us need to be able to heal our childhood wounds and face down our darkest demons in order to grow into the fullest, happiest versions of ourselves we can be,” Marx said. “If we could all undertake reaching our greatest human potential as seriously as these veterans in the films do, we could transform society.”
Schedule for two-day film series:
Thursday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)
The series kicks off with a 1-3 p.m. matinee showing of the following three short films:
- Solutions-The philosophical underpinning to the entire five-part series…showcasing the greatest minds highlighting community-based, non-medicalized solutions for veterans returning home.
- Ben’s Story- A former U.S. Army paratrooper and sniper, challenged by suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, and a divorce, fights to reconnect with his family—and resume a place of leadership in society.
- On Black Mountain-Twenty-two women veterans are transformed through a four-month meditation/mindfulness-based healing retreat.
- Filmmaker Marx will then host a question-and-answer session from 3:15-4 p.m.
Later that evening, a 6-7:45 p.m. session will showcase the following two films:
- Kalani’s Story-U.S. Marine Corps Captain Kalani Creutzburg experiences transformation through emotionally authentic “healing circles.”
- Leaving It On The Land—12 veterans undergo an ancient 12-day “vision fast” ceremony in the wilderness—fasting…alone, with minimal shelter.
- Marx will then host a question-and-answer session from 7:45-8:15 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 12
1 p.m. matinee session (2 films):
- Kalani’s Story
- Leaving It On The Land
Followed by a 3:15-4pm Q&A session with Filmmaker Marx.
6 p.m. evening session (3 films):
- Solutions
- Ben’s Story
- On Black Mountain
Followed by a 7:45-8:15 p.m. Q&A session with Filmmaker Marx
Tickets available online
The Jean Cocteau Cinema is located in downtown Santa Fe at 418 Montezuma Ave. Tickets are $20 or the matinee sessions on both days, $25 for each evening shows, and $40 for a two-day pass. Active-duty service members and veterans will be admitted free for all sessions.
- Nov. 11 – https://jccvetday11th.eventbrite.com
- Nov. 12 – https://jccvetday12th.eventbrite.com
Safety facemasks will be required to be worn for all sessions.
For brief “trailer” clips of the films: https://warriorfilms.org/veterans-journey-home/