NMDVS News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS), Warrior Films, and the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe are presenting a special Veterans Day film series focusing on the readjustment of veterans back home from combat.
The Veterans Journey Home is a five-film series of films by acclaimed filmmaker Fredrick Marx, who co-made the 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams.
The films focus on five powerful stories of bravery and valor–not against enemies on the battlefield, but against equally powerful inner demons the featured veterans fight as they seek to find emotional and psychological peace with the ghosts of their past decisions and actions.
Thursday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)
The series kicks off with a 1pm-3pm 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 3:15-4 p.m. 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
The public is invited to attend this special film series at the Jean Cocteau Cinema, located in downtown Santa Fe at 418 Montezuma Ave. Tickets are $20 for each matinee session, $25 for each evening show, and $40 for a two-day pass. Active-duty service members and veterans will be admitted free for all shows. Proof of active or veteran status must be shown at the ticket window, and safety facemasks will be required to be worn for all sessions.
“I cannot thank Mr. Marx, Warrior Films, and the Jean Cocteau Cinema enough for joining us to bring this film series to New Mexico,” DVS Secretary Sonya Smith said, who will join Marx in a brief welcome ceremony before the Thursday matinee session. “I think these films will resonate with many who may be battling the same issues—or knows someone who is…and show that there are paths to overcome these emotional obstacles.
For brief “trailer” clips of the films, visit https://warriorfilms.org/veterans-journey-home/