On Veterans Day, as the nation collectively commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of our servicemen and women, it is crucial to recognize the profound emotional and psychological challenges they face beyond the battlefield. Amidst the tales of courage and heroism, there exists a compelling need to highlight the often overlooked facets of their lives, particularly the significance of love and human connection in their journeys of healing and resilience.
These films offer a poignant glimpse into the intricate dynamics of romantic and familial relationships for those who have grappled with the physical and emotional scars of war. By showcasing the trials and triumphs of love in the lives of veterans, these films not only honor their sacrifices but also provide a platform to amplify their voices and experiences. This fosters a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges they confront in post-war life. This Veterans Day, consider incorporating these films from Vision Video and New Day Films into your classroom syllabus, library, or community to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation.
Take a moment to explore these educational films for your Veterans Day film programming and collections in your academic or public libraries. These films would fit on the following library shelves: History and Military Studies, Documentary Films, Veterans Affairs and Services, Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, and Patriotic and Commemorative Collections.
Vision Video
Soliders Kiss PTSD Documentary
Soldier's Kiss: A PTSD Documentary
Directed by Billy Brown | 2019 | USA | 63 mins
Nearly every hour a soldier takes their life in America. Hear the true stories of brave men and women fighting for survival against PTSD. This faith-based documentary includes expert commentary regarding the signs and dangers of PTSD, Veterans and their families learn where to find transformative hope, and the Body of Christ will be challenged to serve our troops in more impactful ways.
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Watch the trailer below ⬇
Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives
Directed by: Mitchell Tepper | 2021 | USA | 57 mins
Failed intimate relationships are, by far, the leading psychosocial stressors contributing to military-related suicides. Furthermore, relationship stress contributes to divorce, intimate partner violence, child abuse, substance abuse, and homelessness. To add insult to injury, people who return from deployment with a serious mental or physical disability experience more marital stress and divorce than their non-disabled peers. However, it does not have to be this way. Research shows that a strong relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living—the stronger a relationship, the more of a buffer it affords to prevent suicides and other negative outcomes of stressed relationships. More needs to be done to address relationship challenges to reduce the incidence of suicide and other negative public health outcomes.
Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives puts the spotlight on relationships and introduces viewers to catastrophically injured veterans and their romantic partners who candidly share their battle for love. Love After War is a story of coming home and sexual healing. The accounts illustrate how each faces the challenges of disability and musters up the courage beyond what was needed for war to restore connection. The purpose of Love After War is to open up discussion around the too often taboo topic of sexual health and intimate relationships. We can all honor our veterans on Veterans Day by beginning to address this overlooked aspect of care.